What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grey
Example
The walls of the room were painted in a soft shade of grey. [grey: adjective]
Example
It's going to rain today, the sky is so grey. [grey: noun]
Example
My grandfather's hair turned grey when he was in his 40s. [grey: adjective]
dull
Example
The old silverware had become dull and tarnished over time. [dull: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so dull that I fell asleep halfway through. [dull: adjective]
Example
I need to sharpen this knife, it's too dull to cut anything. [dull: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grey is more commonly used than dull in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications. Dull is more limited in its usage and is often reserved for specific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between grey and dull?
Both grey and dull can be used in formal and informal contexts, but grey is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.