What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frankincense
Example
The priest burned frankincense during the ceremony. [frankincense: noun]
Example
The room smelled of frankincense and myrrh. [frankincense: noun]
incense
Example
The temple was filled with the scent of burning incense. [incense: noun]
Example
She lit some incense to help her relax. [incense: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incense is more commonly used than frankincense in everyday language. Incense is widely available in many different forms and scents, while frankincense is less common and more expensive due to its specific source.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frankincense and incense?
Both frankincense and incense are associated with religious and spiritual contexts, making them more formal in nature. However, incense is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
