What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lute
Example
The musician played a beautiful melody on his lute. [lute: noun]
Example
She learned to play the lute when she was studying Renaissance music. [lute: noun]
banjo
Example
The band's banjo player added a lively rhythm to the song. [banjo: noun]
Example
He picked up the banjo as a hobby and now plays in a local band. [banjo: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Banjo is more commonly used than lute in everyday language, especially in the context of popular music. Lute is less common and is mostly used in classical and traditional music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lute and banjo?
Lute is typically associated with a formal and classical tone, while banjo is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the genre of music it is used in.