What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mawkish
Example
The movie was so mawkish that it made me cringe. [mawkish: adjective]
Example
The author's writing style is often criticized for being mawkish and sentimental. [mawkish: adjective]
maudlin
Example
After a few drinks, he became maudlin and started talking about his ex-girlfriend. [maudlin: adjective]
Example
The singer's performance was criticized for being maudlin and over-the-top. [maudlin: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mawkish is more commonly used than maudlin in everyday language. Mawkish is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while maudlin is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mawkish and maudlin?
Both mawkish and maudlin are informal words that are typically used in casual or conversational settings. However, maudlin may be slightly more formal due to its historical and cultural associations.
