What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cardinal
Example
I saw a beautiful cardinal perched on a tree branch. [cardinal: noun]
Example
She wore a stunning dress in cardinal red to the party. [cardinal: adjective]
scarlet
Example
The sunset painted the sky in shades of scarlet and orange. [scarlet: adjective]
Example
She wore a scarlet cloak that caught everyone's attention. [scarlet: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cardinal is more commonly used than scarlet in everyday language. Cardinal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scarlet is less common and is often used in more specific or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cardinal and scarlet?
Both cardinal and scarlet can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, scarlet may have a slightly more formal or poetic tone due to its less common usage.
