What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dirty
Example
I need to wash my dirty clothes. [dirty: adjective]
Example
The kitchen was dirty after cooking dinner. [dirty: adjective]
Example
He looked dirty and disheveled after working all day. [dirty: adjective]
filthy
Example
The bathroom was filthy and needed a deep cleaning. [filthy: adjective]
Example
The streets were filthy with trash and debris. [filthy: adjective]
Example
He was so filthy that I didn't want to sit next to him. [filthy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dirty is more commonly used than filthy in everyday language. Dirty is a common word that covers a wide range of contexts, while filthy is less common and used for more extreme cases.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dirty and filthy?
Dirty is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while filthy is more informal and may not be appropriate in formal settings.