What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
costume
Example
She wore a pirate costume to the Halloween party. [costume: noun]
Example
The actors changed into their costumes backstage before the play began. [costumes: plural noun]
dress
Example
She wore a beautiful red dress to the wedding. [dress: noun]
Example
He dressed up in a suit and tie for the job interview. [dressed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dress is a more commonly used word than costume in everyday language, as it is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn in various contexts. Costume is less common and is typically used in specific situations, such as Halloween or theatrical performances.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between costume and dress?
Dress is generally considered a more formal word than costume, as it is often associated with elegant attire worn for special occasions. Costume is more informal and playful, often associated with dressing up for fun or entertainment purposes.
