What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
butter
Example
I spread some butter on my toast for breakfast. [butter: noun]
Example
She buttered the pan before adding the pancake batter. [buttered: past tense verb]
ghee
Example
The recipe calls for ghee instead of regular butter. [ghee: noun]
Example
He used ghee to sauté the spices for the curry. [ghee: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Butter is more commonly used and recognized worldwide, while ghee is more prevalent in Indian cuisine and may be less familiar to those outside of that culinary tradition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between butter and ghee?
Both butter and ghee can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, butter is more versatile and commonly used in a wide range of dishes and cuisines, while ghee is more specific to Indian cooking and may be perceived as more traditional or exotic.