What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
umber
Example
The artist used umber paint to create the shadows in the landscape. [umber: noun]
Example
The walls were painted in a warm umber tone to create a cozy atmosphere. [umber: adjective]
brown
Example
The dog had soft brown fur and big brown eyes. [brown: adjective]
Example
She baked a batch of brownies that were perfectly brown on top. [brown: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brown is more common and versatile than umber in everyday language. Brown can be used in various contexts and has many variations, while umber is less commonly used and has fewer variations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between umber and brown?
Both umber and brown can be used in formal and informal contexts, but umber may be more formal due to its association with art and design.
