What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
matte
Example
The matte finish on the walls gave the room a sophisticated look. [matte: adjective]
Example
She preferred the matte lipstick over the glossy one. [matte: noun]
flat
Example
The flat screen TV hung on the wall perfectly. [flat: adjective]
Example
He painted the walls with a flat finish to hide any imperfections. [flat: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flat is more commonly used than matte in everyday language. Flat is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while matte is less common and has more specific uses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between matte and flat?
Both matte and flat are considered neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
