What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
silky
Example
Her silky hair flowed down her back. [silky: adjective]
Example
The dress was made of a silky material that felt luxurious against her skin. [silky: adjective]
Example
The painting had a silky finish that gave it a polished look. [silky: adjective]
soft
Example
The baby's skin was so soft and delicate. [soft: adjective]
Example
The dough was soft and easy to shape into different forms. [soft: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a soft voice so as not to wake the sleeping child. [soft: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soft is a more commonly used word than silky in everyday language. Soft is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while silky is less common and often used in specific contexts related to fabrics, hair, or surfaces with a sheen.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between silky and soft?
While silky is typically associated with a more formal tone, soft is versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.