What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
servant
Example
The servant cleaned the house every day. [servant: noun]
Example
She has been a faithful servant to the company for over 20 years. [servant: adjective]
butler
Example
The butler served the guests at the dinner party. [butler: noun]
Example
He was trained as a butler at a prestigious school in England. [butler: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Servant is a more common term than butler and is used in a wider range of contexts. Butler is a more specialized term that is typically associated with luxury and formality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between servant and butler?
Butler is a more formal term than servant and is typically used in more formal contexts, such as in the hospitality industry or in wealthy households. Servant is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.