What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frilled
Example
The dress was frilled at the hemline, giving it a feminine touch. [frilled: adjective]
Example
She loves wearing frilled blouses and dresses, they make her feel elegant. [frilled: verb]
ruffled
Example
The wind ruffled her hair as she walked along the beach. [ruffled: verb]
Example
His ruffled shirt indicated that he had just woken up. [ruffled: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ruffled is more commonly used than frilled in everyday language. Ruffled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while frilled is less common and refers specifically to a decorative edge or trim.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frilled and ruffled?
Both frilled and ruffled are generally informal words, but frilled may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with elegant or delicate styles of clothing.