What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curry
Example
I ordered a chicken curry for dinner. [curry: noun]
Example
She likes to curry her vegetables with a blend of spices. [curry: verb]
stew
Example
My mom makes a delicious beef stew with carrots and potatoes. [stew: noun]
Example
We stewed the apples with cinnamon and sugar for a tasty dessert. [stewed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stew is a more common term than curry in everyday language, as it is a versatile dish found in many cuisines. Curry is less common but still popular in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curry and stew?
Curry is often associated with a more exotic or ethnic tone, while stew is a more general term that can be used in various formality levels, from casual to formal.