What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snowflake
Example
Look at the beautiful snowflakes falling from the sky! [snowflake: noun]
Example
Don't be such a snowflake, learn to take a joke. [snowflake: slang for a person who is overly sensitive]
Example
Her dress was adorned with intricate snowflake patterns. [snowflake: adjective]
flake
Example
The paint on the wall is flaking off. [flake: verb]
Example
I can't count on him, he's such a flake. [flake: slang for an unreliable person]
Example
The cake was dry and flaky. [flaky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flake is more commonly used than snowflake in everyday language. Flake is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while snowflake is less common and is mostly used in weather-related contexts or to describe something unique or special.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between snowflake and flake?
Both snowflake and flake are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversations or slang. However, snowflake can also be used in a formal context when referring to the actual ice crystal or in a metaphorical sense to describe something unique or special.
