What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
browns
Example
The autumn leaves turned beautiful shades of browns. [browns: noun]
Example
She has gorgeous brown hair that shines in the sunlight. [brown: adjective]
Example
Make sure to brown the chicken before adding the sauce. [brown: verb]
tawny
Example
The sunset painted the sky in beautiful tawny hues. [tawny: adjective]
Example
The tawny coat of the lion blended perfectly with the savannah grass. [tawny: adjective]
Example
Her skin had a lovely tawny glow after spending a day at the beach. [tawny: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Browns is a more commonly used term in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and shades of brown. Tawny, on the other hand, is less commonly used and has more specific associations with certain natural elements and appearances.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between browns and tawny?
Both browns and tawny can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, tawny may have a slightly more formal and elegant connotation due to its association with beauty and exoticism.