What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cinerous
Example
The sky turned cinerous as the sun set behind the mountains. [cinerous: adjective]
Example
The old building had a cinerous facade, giving it a somber and worn-out look. [cinerous: noun]
smoky
Example
The room was filled with smoky air from the fireplace. [smoky: adjective]
Example
She loved the smoky flavor of grilled meat. [smoky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smoky is more commonly used than cinerous in everyday language. Smoky is versatile and can be used to describe various objects, flavors, or atmospheres. Cinerous, on the other hand, is less common and is mainly used in specific contexts related to colors or appearances.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cinerous and smoky?
Both cinerous and smoky can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, cinerous may sound more formal due to its less frequent usage, while smoky is more commonly used and can be employed in both casual and formal situations.
