What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ass
Example
The farmer had a herd of donkeys on his farm. [ass: noun]
Example
Don't be such an ass, you should have known better. [ass: slang]
Example
She slipped and fell right on her ass. [ass: slang]
donkey
Example
The children enjoyed riding the donkeys at the petting zoo. [donkeys: plural noun]
Example
He can be such a donkey sometimes, never willing to change his mind. [donkey: noun]
Example
The donkey carried heavy bags of supplies up the steep mountain path. [donkey: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Donkey is more commonly used than ass in everyday language, especially when referring to the animal. Ass is more versatile and can have multiple meanings, but it is less common in comparison.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ass and donkey?
While donkey can be used in both formal and informal contexts, ass is more informal and can be considered vulgar in certain situations.
