What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
earthen
Example
The villagers used earthen pots to store water. [earthen: adjective]
Example
The artist created an earthen sculpture using clay from the nearby riverbank. [earthen: adjective]
pottery
Example
The museum had a collection of ancient Greek pottery on display. [pottery: noun]
Example
She learned how to make pottery from her grandmother who was a skilled potter. [pottery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pottery is more commonly used than earthen in everyday language. Pottery is a versatile term that covers a wide range of ceramic objects and techniques, while earthen is a more specific term that refers to unrefined clay or soil.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between earthen and pottery?
While earthen is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, pottery can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
