What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
matt
Example
The artist chose a matt finish for the painting to give it a more natural look. [matt: adjective]
Example
The furniture had a matt surface that was resistant to scratches. [matt: noun]
dull
Example
The knife had a dull blade that needed sharpening. [dull: adjective]
Example
The sky looked dull and gray on a rainy day. [dull: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dull is more commonly used than matt in everyday language. Dull is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while matt is less common and is mostly used in specific contexts such as describing finishes on objects.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between matt and dull?
Both matt and dull are considered neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.