What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bedaub
Example
She bedaubed her face with glitter for the costume party. [bedaub: verb]
Example
The children bedaubed the walls with finger paints, creating a colorful mess. [bedaubed: past tense]
daub
Example
He daubed some glue onto the paper before sticking on the glitter. [daub: verb]
Example
The artist daubed the canvas with bold strokes of paint, creating an abstract masterpiece. [daubed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Daub is more commonly used than bedaub in everyday language, especially in artistic or creative contexts. Daub is versatile and can be used to describe various types of painting or spreading substances, while bedaub is less common and more specific to certain situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bedaub and daub?
While daub is generally more formal and associated with artistic or creative contexts, bedaub is more informal and can be used in everyday language. Bedaub is often used in a casual or playful manner, while daub is suitable for both formal and informal situations.