What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dowager
Example
The dowager queen attended the coronation ceremony with her family. [dowager: noun]
Example
The dowager duchess donated a large sum of money to the charity. [dowager: adjective]
widow
Example
She became a widow after her husband passed away last year. [widow: noun]
Example
The widow wore black to the funeral as a sign of mourning. [widow: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Widow is more commonly used than dowager in everyday language. Widow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dowager is less common and typically used in more formal or specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dowager and widow?
Dowager is typically associated with a more formal tone and is often used in more formal contexts, such as historical or literary works. Widow, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
