Peal vs. Peel: What's the Difference?
While peal and peel may sound similar, they have entirely distinct meanings. A peal refers to a loud, prolonged ringing of bells, often associated with celebrations or announcements. Conversely, to peel something means to remove the outer covering or skin from fruits, vegetables, or other layered objects.
How do you use the word peal in a sentence?
The word peal is typically used when referring to the ringing of a set of bells. It denotes a loud, reverberating sound that carries over a distance, commonly used in the context of church bells or celebratory chimes.
Examples of peal in a sentence
- The peal of wedding bells filled the air with joyous celebration.
- On New Year's Eve, the peal of bells announced the arrival of a new beginning.
- During the festival, the townspeople enjoyed the rich peal emanating from the cathedral.
How do you use the word peel in a sentence?
Peel is often used in a culinary context or to describe the action of removing an outer layer. The process can be done with tools like a paring knife or hands, depending on the object being peeled.
Examples of peel in a sentence
- She needed to peel the carrots before adding them to the stew.
- The sunburn caused his skin to peel, revealing a tender layer underneath.
- To make candied orange peel, she started by peeling the rind off several oranges.
Peal and peel definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Peal definition:
A peal is a noun that describes a loud, prolonged ringing of bells, often in a series or sequence.
Peal parts of speech:
Peal pronunciation:
Peal is pronounced as /piːl/.
Peel definition:
Peel can be used both as a verb meaning to remove the outer covering, and as a noun referring to the skin or rind of a fruit or vegetable.
Peel parts of speech:
Peel pronunciation:
Peel is pronounced as /piːl/, identically to peal.
A peal is a noun that describes a loud, prolonged ringing of bells, often in a series or sequence.
Peal parts of speech:
- As a noun: The peal from the bell tower could be heard miles away.
- As a verb (although less common): The church bells pealed for hours on the holiday.
Peal pronunciation:
Peal is pronounced as /piːl/.
Peel definition:
Peel can be used both as a verb meaning to remove the outer covering, and as a noun referring to the skin or rind of a fruit or vegetable.
Peel parts of speech:
- As a verb: You must peel the apple before you eat it.
- As a noun: She tossed the banana peel into the compost bin.
Peel pronunciation:
Peel is pronounced as /piːl/, identically to peal.
Peal vs. Peel in a nutshell
In summary, though peal and peel are homophones, their usage is contextually diverse. Peal, which functions primarily as a noun and occasionally as a verb, describes the resonant sound of bells. Peel is commonly used as both a noun to denote the outer skin of fruits and vegetables, and as a verb to reference the action of removing this layer. Remembering these distinctions will help avoid confusion in writing and conversation.
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