What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
margarine
Example
I can't believe it's not butter! It's actually margarine. [margarine: noun]
Example
She spread margarine on her toast instead of butter. [margarine: noun]
spread
Example
I love peanut butter as a spread on my toast. [spread: noun]
Example
He spread the jam on his toast with a knife. [spread: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Margarine is a more commonly used term than spread when referring to a butter substitute. However, spread is a more versatile term that can refer to a wider range of food items and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between margarine and spread?
Both margarine and spread are generally considered informal terms and can be used interchangeably in most contexts without any significant difference in formality.