What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tedious
Example
The lecture was so tedious that I fell asleep. [tedious: adjective]
Example
I find data entry to be a tedious task. [tedious: adjective]
dreary
Example
The abandoned house had a dreary atmosphere. [dreary: adjective]
Example
I had a dreary weekend with nothing to do. [dreary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tedious is more commonly used in academic or work-related contexts, while dreary is more commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tedious and dreary?
Both tedious and dreary are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts.