What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
manservant
Example
The manservant brought the tray of tea to the drawing-room. [manservant: noun]
Example
He hired a manservant to help him with his daily routine. [manservant: noun]
butler
Example
The butler greeted the guests and showed them to their seats. [butler: noun]
Example
He employed a butler to manage the household staff and oversee the daily operations. [butler: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Butler is more commonly used than manservant in modern English, especially in formal contexts such as fine dining or high society. However, both words have a long history of use in English literature and culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between manservant and butler?
While both manservant and butler can be used in formal contexts, butler is generally considered more formal and is often associated with luxury and high society. Manservant, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
