Boiling vs. Evaporating — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 5, 2023

Boiling is the process where a liquid turns into a vapor by heating it to its boiling point, often producing bubbles. Evaporating is the gradual change of a liquid into vapor at any temperature, usually at the surface.

Difference Between Boiling and Evaporating

Table of Contents

➝ Key Differences ➝ Comparison Chart ➝ Definitions ➝ FAQs

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Key Differences

Boiling is the phase transition that occurs when a liquid is heated to its boiling point, causing it to vaporize rapidly and usually form bubbles. Evaporating, on the other hand, is a slower process that occurs when liquid turns into vapor without necessarily reaching its boiling point.

Oct 05, 2023

From a grammatical perspective, both "boiling" and "evaporating" function primarily as present participle forms of the verbs "to boil" and "to evaporate." However, "boiling" can also be a noun as in "the boiling of water," while "evaporating" is less commonly used as a noun.

Oct 05, 2023

In boiling, the entire volume of the liquid is involved, and you'll often observe bubbles forming and rising to the surface. Evaporating is typically a surface phenomenon, where the liquid slowly turns into vapor at the exposed surface without the formation of bubbles.

Oct 05, 2023

Boiling is often an intentional act done for cooking, sterilization, or distillation, requiring an external heat source to reach the boiling point. Evaporating is a more natural process that occurs over time, often facilitated by environmental factors like heat and wind but doesn't necessarily require an external heat source.

Oct 05, 2023

Comparison Chart

Speed

Rapid

Slow

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Temperature

Specific boiling point

Any temperature

Oct 05, 2023

Mechanism

Entire volume

Surface only

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Grammatical Role

Primarily verb, also a noun

Primarily verb, rarely a noun

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Requires Heat Source

Usually

Not necessarily

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Definitions

Boiling

A physical change requiring a defined boiling point.

The boiling point of water is 100°C at sea level.

Sep 19, 2023

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Evaporating

The gradual turning of liquid into vapor.

Evaporating water left the bowl dry.

Sep 19, 2023

Boiling

Rapid vaporization through the application of heat.

Boiling is a quick way to sterilize water.

Sep 19, 2023

Evaporating

Slow vaporization often influenced by environmental factors.

The evaporating puddle was gone by noon.

Sep 19, 2023

Boiling

A vigorous phase change often used for cooking or cleaning.

Boiling the utensils killed all the germs.

Sep 19, 2023

Evaporating

A surface phenomenon not requiring a specific temperature.

The water started evaporating as soon as it was exposed to the sun.

Sep 19, 2023

Boiling

A process involving bubble formation in a heated liquid.

I could see the boiling in the pot.

Sep 19, 2023

Evaporating

Loss of liquid to the atmosphere.

Evaporating moisture is common in arid climates.

Sep 19, 2023

Boiling

Heated to or past the boiling point

A kettle of boiling water.

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

A phase change not necessarily needing an external heat source.

The perfume was evaporating quickly.

Sep 19, 2023

Boiling

Very angry or upset; seething.

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

To convert or change into a vapor.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Used as an intensive

Fainted because it was boiling hot.

Boiling mad over the mistake.

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

To draw off in the form of vapor.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Present participle of boil

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

To draw moisture from, as by heating, leaving only the dry solid portion.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

The process of changing the state of a substance from liquid to gas by heating it to its boiling point.

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

To deposit (a metal) on a substrate by vacuum sublimation.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

(uncountable) An animation style with constantly changing wavy outlines, giving a shimmering or wobbling appearance.

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

To change into vapor.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

That boils or boil.

Boiling kettle

Boiling oil

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

To pass off in or as vapor.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Of a thing: extremely hot or active.

The radiator is boiling – I’m going to turn it down a bit.

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

To produce vapor.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Of a person: feeling uncomfortably hot.

I’m boiling – can’t we open a window?

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

To disappear; vanish

Our fears at last evaporated.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Of the weather: very hot.

It’s boiling out today!

Sep 17, 2023

Evaporating

Infl of evaporate

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

(of adjectives associated with heat) Extremely

He was boiling mad.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Heated to the point of bubbling; heaving with bubbles; in tumultuous agitation, as boiling liquid; surging; seething; swelling with heat, ardor, or passion.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

The act of ebullition or of tumultuous agitation.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Exposure to the action of a hot liquid.

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

The application of heat to change something from a liquid to a gas

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Cooking in a boiling liquid

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

Extremely;

Boiling mad

Sep 17, 2023

Boiling

The transition of a liquid to vapor when heated to a specific point.

Boiling water is essential for making pasta.

Sep 19, 2023

FAQs

Can Evaporating occur at any temperature?

Yes, evaporating can occur at any temperature, not just at a boiling point.

Oct 05, 2023

Is Boiling a form of Evaporating?

Technically, boiling is a form of rapid evaporation but at a specific boiling point.

Oct 05, 2023

What is Boiling?

Boiling is the rapid vaporization of a liquid when it's heated to its boiling point.

Oct 05, 2023

What is Evaporating?

Evaporating is the slow transition of a liquid into vapor at any temperature.

Oct 05, 2023

Does Boiling always involve bubbles?

Usually, boiling involves the formation of bubbles in the liquid.

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Does Evaporating form bubbles?

No, evaporating generally does not form bubbles and occurs at the surface.

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What is the boiling point?

The boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid turns into vapor.

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Is Boiling faster than Evaporating?

Yes, boiling is generally a much faster process than evaporating.

Oct 05, 2023

Is Evaporating a noun or a verb?

Evaporating primarily functions as a verb and is rarely used as a noun.

Oct 05, 2023

Is Evaporating always slow?

Generally, evaporating is slower than boiling but can vary based on conditions.

Oct 05, 2023

Is Boiling a noun or a verb?

Boiling can function as both a noun and a verb.

Oct 05, 2023

Does Evaporating have a defined point like boiling?

No, evaporating can occur at any temperature.

Oct 05, 2023

What are common uses for Boiling?

Boiling is often used for cooking, cleaning, and sterilization.

Oct 05, 2023

Can both Boiling and Evaporating occur simultaneously?

In some instances, such as in a heated pool, both boiling and evaporating can occur but at different rates and locations.

Oct 05, 2023

What factors influence Evaporating?

Temperature, surface area, and air flow can influence the rate of evaporating.

Oct 05, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.