What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drab
Example
The walls of the old building were painted in drab shades of gray and brown. [drab: adjective]
Example
The party was a drab affair with no music or decorations. [drab: noun]
dull
Example
The knife was dull and couldn't cut through the tough meat. [dull: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so dull that many students fell asleep. [dull: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dull is more commonly used than drab in everyday language. Dull is a more versatile word that can be used to describe a wider range of things, while drab is less common and more specific in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between drab and dull?
Both drab and dull are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, drab may be considered slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.
