same meaning. masticate is a more formal term.

Masticate is a word that you would probably only hear used in the medical field. They seem to need a different word than the common one for almost everything.

Use "chew". Yes, masticate is a more formal/technical description, but it also sounds a lot like another word. If you ever said, "I always masticate thoroughly whenever I eat dinner", expect some giggles.

same meaning. masticate is a more formal more

You don't start masticating until you're 13.