What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
staffage
Example
The artist added staffage to the painting to give it a sense of scale. [staffage: noun]
Example
The photographer used staffage to make the scene more interesting. [staffage: noun]
adornment
Example
The necklace was the perfect adornment for her outfit. [adornment: noun]
Example
She adorned the room with colorful curtains and paintings. [adorned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adornment is more commonly used than staffage in everyday language. Adornment is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while staffage is a more specialized term used mainly in art and photography.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between staffage and adornment?
Both staffage and adornment are formal words that are typically used in art, design, or academic contexts. However, adornment can also be used in more casual contexts related to fashion or beauty.