What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heirloom
Example
The silverware set was an heirloom passed down from my great-grandmother. [heirloom: noun]
Example
She cherished the heirloom necklace that her mother had given her. [heirloom: adjective]
keepsake
Example
The seashell she found on the beach was a keepsake from her summer vacation. [keepsake: noun]
Example
He gave her a keepsake locket with their photo inside as a symbol of their love. [keepsake: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Keepsake is more commonly used than heirloom in everyday language. Keepsake is a versatile term that can refer to a wide range of objects, while heirloom is more specific and often associated with family inheritance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heirloom and keepsake?
Both heirloom and keepsake can be used in formal and informal contexts, but heirloom may be perceived as more formal due to its association with family lineage and inheritance.
