What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accent
Example
Her British accent was so charming that I could listen to her speak all day. [accent: noun]
Example
He tried to imitate the French accent but couldn't quite get it right. [accent: noun]
dialect
Example
The Southern dialect of English is different from the Northern dialect. [dialect: noun]
Example
She spoke in a dialect that was unfamiliar to me, but I could still understand most of what she was saying. [dialect: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accent is more commonly used in everyday language than dialect. People often use accent to describe the way someone speaks, while dialect is more technical and academic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accent and dialect?
Both accent and dialect can be used in formal and informal contexts, but dialect is more technical and academic, making it more appropriate for formal settings.
