What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lily
Example
The bride carried a bouquet of lilies down the aisle. [lilies: noun]
Example
Lilies are often used in gardens and parks for their beauty and fragrance. [lilies: noun]
flower
Example
The garden was full of colorful flowers of all shapes and sizes. [flowers: noun]
Example
The bee landed on the flower to collect nectar. [flower: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flower is a more commonly used term than lily in everyday language. Flower is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while lily is a more specialized term that is typically used in discussions of gardening, floristry, or botany.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lily and flower?
Both lily and flower can be used in formal or informal contexts, but lily may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with special occasions like weddings or funerals.
