What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humdrum
Example
I'm tired of this humdrum job. [humdrum: adjective]
Example
The daily commute can be quite humdrum. [humdrum: noun]
dreary
Example
The weather has been so dreary lately. [dreary: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so dreary that I fell asleep. [dreary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dreary is more commonly used than humdrum in everyday language. Dreary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while humdrum is less common and refers specifically to routine or repetitive tasks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humdrum and dreary?
Both humdrum and dreary are associated with an informal tone and are not typically used in formal contexts.
