Ferment is a process where substances, usually food or drink, change chemically, often producing bubbles and a sour taste.
Examples:
The idea began to ferment within her mind, leading to a breakthrough.Under the right conditions, grapes begin to ferment into wine.A sense of unrest began to ferment in the community over time.
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Foment
/fəʊˈment/
To instigate or stir up feelings or actions, often related to trouble or violence
Examples:
The rebels tried to foment discontent among the populace.Speeches aimed to foment interest in the upcoming project.Rampant rumors can foment anxiety in uncertain times.
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Ways to tell them apart:
Ferment often involves biological processes, while foment involves instigating or inciting actions.
Think of ferment like fermenting wine or beer, where substances break down to produce something new.
Foment often relates to stirring up trouble or agitation.
Remember that ferment is generally associated with liquid processes or organic change.
Foment tends to carry a negative connotation about stirring up unrest or chaos.