What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
secretaire
Example
The antique secretaire in the study had a beautiful inlaid design. [secretaire: noun]
Example
She kept her stationery and documents organized in the secretaire's drawers. [secretaire: adjective]
bureau
Example
He sat down at his bureau to write a letter. [bureau: noun]
Example
The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases monthly employment reports. [Bureau: proper noun]
Example
She kept her clothes neatly folded in the bureau's drawers. [bureau: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bureau is more commonly used than secretaire in everyday language. Bureau is a more practical and versatile piece of furniture that can be found in homes and offices, while secretaire is less common and may be considered more of a luxury item.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between secretaire and bureau?
Both secretaire and bureau can be used in formal and informal contexts, but secretaire may be associated with a more elegant or sophisticated tone due to its French origin and luxurious connotations.
