What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
candle
Example
She lit a candle to create a cozy atmosphere in the room. [candle: noun]
Example
The birthday girl blew out the candles on her cake. [candles: plural noun]
taper
Example
The priest held a taper and led the procession into the church. [taper: noun]
Example
They lit the tapers to create a solemn atmosphere during the ceremony. [tapers: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Candle is more commonly used than taper in everyday language. Candle is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while taper is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between candle and taper?
While candle can be used in both formal and informal contexts, taper is typically associated with a more formal tone and is often used in religious or ceremonial settings.
