Learn about the difference between the homophones: crewel and cruel

Definitions

crewel

Crewel is a noun that refers to a fine worsted yarn used for embroidery.

Example

She used crewel to embroider the flowers on the pillowcase.

Example

The crewelwork on the tapestry was exquisite.

cruel

Cruel is an adjective that refers to behavior that causes pain or suffering to others, or is deliberately unkind.

Example

It was cruel of him to leave her alone.

Example

The cruel treatment of animals is unacceptable.

Tips To Remember the Differences

Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:

- To remember the difference between these two words, you can associate crewel with embroidery and cruel with causing pain. - You could also think of the 'u' in cruel as representing 'unpleasant' or 'unfair', which are both associated with the meaning of the word.