What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
matt
Example
The artist used a matt finish on the painting to reduce glare. [matt: adjective]
Example
The photograph looked better with a matt surface instead of a glossy one. [matt: noun]
matte
Example
The car had a matte black finish that looked sleek and modern. [matte: adjective]
Example
The artist used a matte paper for the print to give it a more natural look. [matte: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Both matt and matte are relatively common words in their respective dialects of English, but matte is more commonly used in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between matt and matte?
Neither matt nor matte is considered particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in a variety of contexts.