What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
darker
Example
The room became darker as the sun set. [darker: comparative adjective]
Example
His paintings often feature darker tones and shadows. [darker: adjective]
dimmer
Example
She adjusted the dimmer switch to create a more relaxed ambiance. [dimmer: noun]
Example
The streetlights grew dimmer as we walked further away from the city center. [dimmer: comparative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Darker is more commonly used than dimmer in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications. Dimmer is more specific to lighting and ambiance and is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between darker and dimmer?
Both darker and dimmer are relatively informal words and can be used in casual or formal contexts depending on the situation.