What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hum
Example
The air conditioner hummed softly in the background. [hum: verb]
Example
I could hear the hum of conversation from the other room. [hum: noun]
Example
She hummed a tune while she worked. [hummed: past tense]
thrum
Example
The engine thrummed as we drove down the highway. [thrum: verb]
Example
I could feel the thrum of my heartbeat in my chest. [thrum: noun]
Example
He played a thrumming beat on the bongo drums. [thrumming: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hum is a more common word than thrum and is used in a wider range of contexts. Thrum is less common and may be more specific to certain situations or industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hum and thrum?
Both hum and thrum are relatively informal words, but hum is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
