What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
salve
Example
The nurse applied a salve to the patient's wound. [salve: noun]
Example
He gently salved his sunburn with a cooling aloe vera salve. [salved: verb]
cream
Example
She applied a cream to her face to keep it hydrated. [cream: noun]
Example
The recipe called for heavy cream to make the sauce. [cream: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cream is more commonly used than salve in everyday language. Cream is a versatile term that can refer to various products, such as cosmetic creams, cooking creams, or dairy creams. Salve is less common and usually associated with medicinal or herbal remedies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between salve and cream?
Both salve and cream can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on their usage and context. However, cream is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, including casual conversations and formal documents.
