What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hood
Example
She pulled her hood up to shield herself from the rain. [hood: noun]
Example
The mechanic lifted the car hood to check the engine. [hood: noun]
Example
He grew up in a rough hood and had to learn to be street-smart. [hood: slang for neighborhood]
cap
Example
He wore a baseball cap to shield his eyes from the sun. [cap: noun]
Example
There is a cap on how much you can spend on this credit card. [cap: limit]
Example
The dentist capped my chipped tooth with a porcelain crown. [capped: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cap is more commonly used than hood in everyday language. Cap is a versatile headwear that can be worn for various occasions, while hood is more specific to certain types of clothing or activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hood and cap?
Both hood and cap can be used in different formality levels depending on the context. However, cap is more commonly used in formal settings, such as in uniforms or dress codes, while hood is more casual and informal.
