What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bland
Example
The soup was bland and needed more seasoning. [bland: adjective]
Example
The movie was quite bland, with a predictable plot and unremarkable characters. [bland: adjective]
dull
Example
The knife had a dull blade and couldn't cut through the meat easily. [dull: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so dull that I struggled to stay awake. [dull: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dull is more commonly used than bland in everyday language. Dull is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe a wide range of qualities or characteristics. Bland, on the other hand, is less common and is primarily used to describe the taste or flavor of food.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bland and dull?
Both bland and dull are generally considered informal words. However, dull can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while bland is more commonly used in informal settings, particularly when talking about food.
