What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quaint
Example
The quaint little town was full of antique shops and cozy cafes. [quaint: adjective]
Example
She had a quaint way of speaking, using words and phrases from a bygone era. [quaint: adjective]
vintage
Example
My grandmother gave me a vintage dress from the 1950s that she used to wear. [vintage: adjective]
Example
This bottle of wine is a vintage from 1995 and is highly sought after by collectors. [vintage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vintage is more commonly used than quaint in everyday language, especially in the context of fashion and wine. Quaint is less common and is often used in more literary or descriptive writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quaint and vintage?
Both quaint and vintage can be used in formal or informal contexts, but vintage may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with high quality and excellence.