What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ombre
Example
She got her hair dyed in an ombre style, with the ends lighter than the roots. [ombre: adjective]
Example
The dress had an ombre effect, with the colors fading from blue to green. [ombre: noun]
Example
She applied ombre eyeshadow, blending the colors from dark to light. [ombre: adjective]
gradation
Example
The artist used gradation to create a sense of depth and dimension in the painting. [gradation: noun]
Example
The teacher graded the students' papers on a scale of A to F, with each letter representing a different gradation of achievement. [gradation: noun]
Example
The wallpaper had a gradation of pink hues, transitioning from light to dark. [gradation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gradation is more commonly used than ombre in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can be applied in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ombre and gradation?
Both ombre and gradation can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but gradation is more versatile and can be employed in more formal settings due to its neutral connotation.