What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pursed
Example
She pursed her lips in disapproval. [pursed: verb]
Example
He breathed out through pursed lips to calm himself down. [pursed: adjective]
pucker
Example
The dress had a pucker in the seam. [pucker: noun]
Example
She puckered her face in pain when she stubbed her toe. [puckered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Purse is more commonly used than pucker in everyday language. Purse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pucker is less common and refers to a specific action or appearance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pursed and pucker?
Both pursed and pucker are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversations. However, pursed may be more commonly used in a medical or breathing context, which can make it sound more formal in certain situations.
