What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
buttery
Example
The croissant was so buttery and delicious. [buttery: adjective]
Example
She spread the buttery mashed potatoes on her plate. [buttery: adjective]
unctuous
Example
The pizza was covered in unctuous cheese that dripped with oil. [unctuous: adjective]
Example
He couldn't trust her unctuous compliments as they seemed fake. [unctuous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buttery is more commonly used than unctuous in everyday language, especially when talking about food. Buttery is a familiar term that is often used to describe the taste and texture of various dishes. Unctuous, on the other hand, is less common and may have a more specific and negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between buttery and unctuous?
Both buttery and unctuous can be used in both formal and informal contexts when describing food. However, unctuous can also be used to describe a person's behavior, which may make it more formal or serious depending on the context.
