Spew vs. emit: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Spew often implies a forceful, uncontrolled, or copious expulsion of something, usually unpleasant. Emit is a more neutral term that refers to the release or production of something, often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What they have in common
Both spew and emit involve the release or discharge of something from a source.
Examples
spew
- The volcano spewed lava and ash into the sky.
- He spewed hateful words during the argument.
- The factory chimney spews black smoke continually.
emit
- The sun emits light and heat.
- The machine emits a constant humming noise.
- Plants emit oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
Which one is more common?
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