What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curio
Example
The museum had a collection of curious artifacts from ancient civilizations. [curios: noun]
Example
She found a curio shop that sold rare and exotic items from around the world. [curio: adjective]
souvenir
Example
I bought a souvenir t-shirt from the concert as a reminder of the experience. [souvenir: noun]
Example
She collects souvenirs from all the places she visits, such as postcards and magnets. [souvenirs: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Souvenir is more commonly used than curio in everyday language. Souvenir is a versatile term that covers a wide range of items and contexts, while curio is less common and refers to unique or unusual objects with historical or aesthetic significance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curio and souvenir?
While curio is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, souvenir is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
