What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
catnap
Example
I'm just going to take a quick catnap before dinner. [catnap: noun]
Example
She catnapped for a few minutes on the couch to refresh herself. [catnapped: past tense]
nap
Example
I like to take a nap after lunch to recharge. [nap: noun]
Example
He napped for an hour to recover from the long journey. [napped: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nap is more commonly used than catnap in everyday language. Nap is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and can be used by people of all ages. Catnap is less common and has a more playful and informal tone, often associated with taking a quick rest during the day.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between catnap and nap?
While catnap is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, nap is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.