What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paint
Example
I need to buy some paint to touch up the walls. [paint: noun]
Example
She spent the afternoon painting the living room walls. [painting: gerund or present participle]
Example
The artist used oil paint to create a stunning landscape. [paint: noun]
pigment
Example
This pigment will give the fabric a bright red color. [pigment: noun]
Example
The butterfly's wings get their vibrant colors from pigments in their scales. [pigments: plural noun]
Example
The paint manufacturer added more pigment to make the color more vibrant. [pigment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paint is a more common term than pigment in everyday language, as it is used in various contexts such as home improvement, art, and design. Pigment is more commonly used in technical or scientific fields.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between paint and pigment?
Pigment is a more technical term than paint, and is therefore more formal in tone. Paint can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and purpose of use.
