What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tonsure
Example
The monk's tonsure was a sign of his dedication to his faith. [tonsure: noun]
Example
The priest performed the tonsure on the young initiate as part of the initiation ceremony. [tonsure: verb]
shaving
Example
He shaved his beard before the job interview. [shaved: past tense]
Example
She prefers shaving her legs to waxing. [shaving: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shaving is more commonly used than tonsure in everyday language. Shaving is a common practice for personal hygiene and grooming, while tonsure is a less common practice associated with religious or spiritual traditions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tonsure and shaving?
Tonsure is typically associated with religious or spiritual contexts and may be considered more formal, while shaving is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
