Acetic vs Ascetic: Definition and Examples of Each Word in a Sentence

Although these two adjectives look alike, they are quite different. Let's see their defintion and differences in a sentence:

Acetic in a Sentence

Acetic describes a kind of acid—the kind in vinegar. However, you may also hear it used to describe people who have a “sour” personality:

Acetic (literal): The kitchen was filled with the sour smell of acetic acid.

Acetic (figurative): His acetic personality prevented him from meeting people at parties.

Learn more about the word origins of acetic.

Ascetic in a Sentence

The second word, Ascetic, is unconnected to acetic; originally, it referred to a kind of “holy man” who lives in the wilderness, or on the streets, with little food or comfort, for spiritual reasons. However, nowadays it also describes any lifestyle with relatively little comfort or entertainment:

Ascetic (original meaning): The Buddha was a Hindu ascetic before he became enlightened.

Ascetic (newer meaning): Poverty forced him to adopt an ascetic lifestyle.

Learn more about the word origins of ascetic.

Notice that an ascetic person may be thought likely to have an acetic personality; but don’t confuse their meanings!

More Examples of "Acetic" in a Sentence

1. The acetic acid solution is being heated in the lab.
2. The fruit had a sour taste and an acetic smell.
3. To delay the ripening process, bananas are often sprayed with an acetic solution.
4. Acetic acid is one of the main components in vinegar.
5. Acetic acid is an organic compound with a sour taste and the chemical formula CH3COOH.
6. The teacher explained that acetic acid is a versatile chemical that is widely used in the production of other chemicals, such as vinyl acetate, ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate.
7. The candy was too acetic and gave me a canker sore. 

More Examples of "Ascetic" in a Sentence

1. My ascetic roommate would refuse to put a fish in the refrigerator lest he be tempted to eat it.
2. Ascetic monks in India would often renounce the pleasures of the world and live lives of poverty.
3. An ascetic is someone who is abstinent.
4. An ascetic would have a simple and austere lifestyle, one that is devoted to the pursuit of religious or spiritual goals.
5. The ascetic's lifestyle is not for everyone, but he has been following it for many years now.
6. She found him in the desert, perched on an outcropping of rock that cast a shadow over his gaunt and ascetic face.
7. The ascetic life is one of simplicity and minimalism.
8. The monks adopted an ascetic lifestyle, which included long periods of prayer and fasting.
9. Her asceticism is also reflected in her austere dress and simple meals.
10. I am an ascetic at heart, and my soul is troubled by the excesses of this world.
11. Despite his ascetic lifestyle, he has never lost his sense of humor.