What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beret
Example
She looked chic in her black beret. [beret: noun]
Example
He always wears a beret when he goes out. [beret: noun]
tam
Example
She wore a tartan tam to the Scottish festival. [tam: noun]
Example
He bought a new tam for his Highland dance performance. [tam: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beret is more commonly used than tam in everyday language. Beret is a versatile hat that can be worn as a fashion accessory, while tam is more specific to Scottish culture and events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beret and tam?
Both beret and tam can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, beret is generally considered more fashionable and stylish, making it suitable for more formal occasions as well.