What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
den
Example
The den is my favorite room in the house because it's so comfortable. [den: noun]
Example
The bear retreated to its den for hibernation. [den: noun]
Example
The rebels used a den in the forest as their secret hideout. [den: noun]
lair
Example
The dragon made its lair in the mountains. [lair: noun]
Example
The thieves had a lair deep in the city's underground tunnels. [lair: noun]
Example
The spy waited in his lair for the right moment to strike. [lair: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Den is more commonly used in everyday language than lair. Den is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while lair is more specific and often used in literature or storytelling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between den and lair?
Den is generally considered more formal than lair, which has a more literary or dramatic tone. However, both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
