What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clothbound
Example
I love the look and feel of a clothbound book on my bookshelf. [clothbound: adjective]
Example
The collector's edition of the novel comes in a beautiful clothbound edition. [clothbound: noun]
hardcover
Example
I prefer buying hardcover books because they last longer. [hardcover: adjective]
Example
The library has a wide selection of hardcover books for borrowing. [hardcover: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hardcover is more commonly used than clothbound in everyday language. Hardcover books are widely available in bookstores and libraries, covering a wide range of genres and topics. Clothbound books, on the other hand, are less common and are often associated with special editions or limited releases.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clothbound and hardcover?
Both clothbound and hardcover can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, clothbound books may have a slightly more formal and elegant connotation due to their association with classic and collector's editions, while hardcover books are more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.