What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clothe
Example
The parents clothed their newborn baby in soft, warm blankets. [clothed: past tense]
Example
She quickly clothed herself in a beautiful gown for the party. [clothed: verb]
dress
Example
He dressed in a suit and tie for the job interview. [dressed: past tense]
Example
She loves to dress up in colorful and trendy outfits. [dress: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dress is more commonly used than clothe in everyday language. Dress is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, from everyday clothing to special occasions and personal style. On the other hand, clothe is less common and is often used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clothe and dress?
While clothe is typically associated with a formal tone, dress can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Dress is more versatile and can be used to describe both everyday clothing and more stylish or fashionable attire.
