What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
autumnal
Example
The park was filled with autumnal colors as the leaves turned red and orange. [autumnal: adjective]
Example
She decorated her house with autumnal wreaths and pumpkins for the fall season. [autumnal: adjective]
autumn
Example
I love the crisp air and beautiful foliage of autumn. [autumn: noun]
Example
In autumn, people often go apple picking and enjoy pumpkin spice lattes. [autumn: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Autumn is more commonly used than autumnal in everyday language. Autumn is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while autumnal is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between autumnal and autumn?
While autumnal is associated with a slightly more formal and literary tone, autumn is more commonly used and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.