What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clavel
Example
She received a beautiful bouquet of clavels for her birthday. [clavel: noun]
Example
The clavel in the garden bloomed with vibrant colors. [clavel: noun]
carnation
Example
He bought a red carnation to give to his date. [carnation: noun]
Example
The florist arranged a beautiful bouquet of carnations for the wedding. [carnations: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carnation is more commonly used than clavel in everyday English language. Carnation is a versatile term that covers various contexts and is widely recognized. On the other hand, clavel is more commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries and may be less familiar to English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clavel and carnation?
While clavel is associated with a more formal tone in Spanish-speaking contexts, carnation can be used in both formal and informal settings in English-speaking countries.