What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
couth
Example
He was always couth and courteous, even in difficult situations. [couth: adjective]
Example
She has a couth way of speaking that makes her sound very educated. [couth: noun]
urbane
Example
He had an urbane manner that made him popular with everyone he met. [urbane: adjective]
Example
She was an urbane woman who had traveled the world and had many interesting stories to tell. [urbane: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Urbane is more commonly used than couth in everyday language. Urbane is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while couth is less common and more old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between couth and urbane?
Both couth and urbane are formal words that are used to describe someone who is sophisticated and cultured. However, urbane is more commonly used in formal contexts, while couth is more likely to be used in informal or nostalgic contexts.
