What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quaint
Example
The bed and breakfast had a quaint charm that made it feel like home. [quaint: adjective]
Example
The village was full of quaint shops and cafes. [quaint: adjective]
Example
Grandma's quaint sayings always made us laugh. [quaint: adjective]
antique
Example
The antique vase was worth a fortune at the auction. [antique: noun]
Example
The antique furniture gave the room a vintage feel. [antique: adjective]
Example
We went to the antique fair to find some unique pieces for our collection. [antique: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antique is more commonly used than quaint in everyday language, especially when referring to objects. However, quaint is still a useful word to describe places, people, or behaviors that have a charming or unusual quality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quaint and antique?
Antique is generally considered a more formal word than quaint, as it is often used in discussions of art, history, or antiques. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
