Perspire vs. Sweat: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
Perspire typically refers to the process of sweating, especially in a medical or formal context, while sweat is the common term for the moisture excreted by sweat glands.
Key Differences
Perspire is a term often used in a more formal or medical context to describe the secretion of fluids by the body's sweat glands. It's a process associated with body temperature regulation. On the other hand, sweat is the common, everyday term used to refer to the same bodily function. It is the moisture that results from perspiring and is composed of water, salts, and other substances.
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Dec 29, 2023
In cultural and social contexts, to perspire is often perceived as more genteel or less crude than to sweat. Saying someone is perspiring might be preferred in polite society, whereas sweat is a straightforward, unembellished term. For instance, in formal writing or speech, perspire might be chosen over sweat to maintain a certain level of decorum.
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Dec 29, 2023
In literature and media, the choice between perspire and sweat can convey different tones or imply various levels of intensity. Perspire might be used to depict a character in a stressful but controlled situation, whereas sweat could be employed to portray more extreme physical exertion or stress.
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Dec 29, 2023
In medical and scientific contexts, the term perspire is often used to describe the body's mechanism to cool itself and maintain homeostasis, whereas sweat can be referred to in discussing the composition and role of the fluid itself in bodily processes.
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Dec 29, 2023
Comparison Chart
Formality
More formal, used in medical or polite contexts.
Common, everyday term.
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Usage in Literature
Often implies a controlled or less intense scenario.
Used to depict extreme exertion or stress.
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Social Perception
Considered genteel or less crude.
Direct, unembellished term.
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Function
Describes the process of sweating.
Refers to the moisture produced by this process.
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Composition
Same as sweat, but contextually less detailed.
Often discussed in terms of its physical makeup.
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Perspire and Sweat Definitions
Perspire
To emit bodily fluid as a response to stress or heat.
Nervously awaiting the interview results, he started to perspire.
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Sweat
Moisture emitted through pores as a cooling mechanism.
Drops of sweat formed on her forehead as she ran in the sun.
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Perspire
To excrete moisture through the pores of the skin.
During the marathon, each runner began to perspire heavily.
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Sweat
The liquid produced by perspiring.
Sweat dripped from his chin during the intense boxing match.
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Perspire
To release sweat in a formal or medical context.
The patient was observed to perspire during the examination.
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Perspire
To secrete a salty, watery fluid from sweat glands.
She began to perspire under the bright stage lights.
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Sweat
To exude in droplets, as moisture from certain cheeses or sap from a tree.
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Perspire
To undergo the physical process of cooling the body.
To regulate his body temperature, he began to perspire while jogging.
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Sweat
To collect moisture in small drops from the air, as a cold water pipe.
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Oct 19, 2023
Perspire
(ambitransitive) To emit (sweat or perspiration) through the skin's pores.
I was perspiring freely after running the marathon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Perspire
(intransitive) To be evacuated or excreted, or to exude, through the pores of the skin.
A fluid perspires.
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Oct 19, 2023
Perspire
To excrete matter through the skin; esp., to excrete fluids through the pores of the skin; to sweat.
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Oct 19, 2023
Perspire
To be evacuated or excreted, or to exude, through the pores of the skin; as, a fluid perspires.
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Sweat
To excrete (wastes) in perspiration
Sweated out the toxins in the steam room.
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Perspire
To emit or evacuate through the pores of the skin; to sweat; to excrete through pores.
Firs . . . perspire a fine balsam of turpentine.
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Perspire
Excrete perspiration through the pores in the skin;
Exercise makes one sweat
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Sweat
To cause to perspire, as by drugs, heat, or strenuous exercise
Running for the train got me sweated up.
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Sweat
To interrogate (someone) under duress
Sweated the suspected spy for hours.
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Sweat
To extract (information) from someone under duress
The police sweated the information out of the suspect.
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Sweat
(Metallurgy) To join (metal parts) by interposing cold solder and then heating.
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Sweat
The colorless saline moisture excreted by the sweat glands; perspiration.
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Sweat
(Informal) An anxious, fretful condition
Got myself in a sweat over the deadline.
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Sweat
Fluid that exits the body through pores in the skin usually due to physical stress and/or high temperature for the purpose of regulating body temperature and removing certain compounds from the circulation.
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Sweat
The state of one who sweats; diaphoresis.
Just thinking about the interview tomorrow puts me into a nervous sweat.
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Sweat
To cause to perspire.
His physicians attempted to sweat him by most powerful sudorifics.
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Sweat
(video games) To be extremely dedicated to winning a game; to play competitively.
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Sweat
To extract money, labour, etc. from, by exaction or oppression.
To sweat a spendthrift
To sweat labourers
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Sweat
(intransitive) To emit moisture.
The cheese will start sweating if you don't refrigerate it.
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Sweat
(intransitive) To have drops of water form on (something's surface) due to moisture condensation.
Coasters are a good way to stop a sweating glass from damaging your table.
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Sweat
To cook slowly at low heat, in shallow oil and without browning, to reduce moisture content.
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Sweat
To remove a portion of (a coin), as by shaking it with others in a bag, so that the friction wears off a small quantity of the metal.
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Sweat
To excrete sensible moisture from the pores of the skin; to perspire.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sweat
Fig.: To perspire in toil; to work hard; to drudge.
He 'd have the poets sweat.
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Sweat
To cause to excrete moisture from the skin; to cause to perspire; as, his physicians attempted to sweat him by most powerful sudorifics.
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Sweat
To emit or suffer to flow from the pores; to exude.
It made her not a drop for sweat.
With exercise she sweat ill humors out.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sweat
To get something advantageous, as money, property, or labor from (any one), by exaction or oppression; as, to sweat a spendthrift; to sweat laborers.
The only use of it [money] which is interdicted is to put it in circulation again after having diminished its weight by "sweating", or otherwise, because the quantity of metal contains is no longer consistent with its impression.
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Sweat
The fluid which is excreted from the skin of an animal; the fluid secreted by the sudoriferous glands; a transparent, colorless, acid liquid with a peculiar odor, containing some fatty acids and mineral matter; perspiration. See Perspiration.
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.
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Sweat
The act of sweating; or the state of one who sweats; hence, labor; toil; drudgery.
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Sweat
Moisture issuing from any substance; as, the sweat of hay or grain in a mow or stack.
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Sweat
Agitation resulting from active worry;
Don't get in a stew
He's in a sweat about exams
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Sweat
Condensation of moisture on a cold surface;
The cold glasses were streaked with sweat
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Sweat
Use of physical or mental energy; hard work;
He got an A for effort
They managed only with great exertion
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Sweat
Excrete perspiration through the pores in the skin;
Exercise makes one sweat
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Sweat
The excretion of a salty fluid from the body's sweat glands.
His shirt was soaked with sweat after the workout.
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Dec 29, 2023
Sweat
A physical response to exertion, heat, or stress.
He wiped the sweat off his brow after finishing the race.
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Sweat
A common term for perspiration.
The gym was filled with the smell of sweat from the athletes.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
When is it more appropriate to use 'perspire' over 'sweat'?
Perspire is often used in formal, polite, or medical contexts, while sweat is more common and casual.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is perspiring the same as sweating?
Yes, both terms describe the body's process of secreting moisture through sweat glands.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is sweat odorless?
Yes, sweat itself is odorless; odor arises from bacteria on the skin breaking down sweat.
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Does perspiring have benefits?
Yes, it helps regulate body temperature and can remove toxins from the body.
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Are there medical conditions that affect sweating?
Yes, conditions like hyperhidrosis cause excessive sweating, while others can reduce it.
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Can diet affect how much you sweat?
Yes, certain foods and beverages can increase perspiration.
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Can you control your perspiration?
To some extent, through antiperspirants, hydration, and controlling environmental factors.
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Can stress cause you to perspire?
Yes, stress can trigger the body's sweat glands, leading to perspiration.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is there a difference in composition between perspire and sweat?
No, the composition is the same, consisting primarily of water, salts, and other substances.
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Does everyone sweat the same amount?
No, sweating varies greatly among individuals due to genetics, environment, and health.
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Are there treatments for excessive perspiration?
Yes, treatments include antiperspirants, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
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Can perspire and sweat be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably, though the context may dictate the more appropriate choice.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is sweat only related to physical activity?
No, sweat can occur due to heat, stress, or medical conditions, not just physical activity.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is it normal to sweat while sleeping?
Yes, it can be normal, but excessive night sweating might require medical attention.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can excessive sweating be a health concern?
Yes, excessive sweating can be a sign of health issues and might require medical attention.
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Can anxiety cause increased sweating?
Yes, anxiety can trigger the body's sweat response.
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Do certain fabrics affect sweating?
Yes, synthetic fabrics can inhibit evaporation and increase sweating.
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Does physical fitness affect sweating?
Fit individuals might start sweating sooner as their bodies are more efficient at cooling.
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Is sweating essential for detoxifying the body?
While it helps, the liver and kidneys play a more significant role in detoxification.
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Can hydration levels influence sweat?
Yes, staying hydrated can help maintain normal sweating and body temperature regulation.
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Dec 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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