What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
matte
Example
I prefer matte lipstick over glossy ones. [matte: adjective]
Example
The artist used a matte finish on the painting to reduce glare. [matte: noun]
dull
Example
The knife blade had become dull after repeated use. [dull: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so dull that I fell asleep. [dull: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dull is more commonly used than matte in everyday language. Dull is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while matte is less common and is typically used in specific industries or fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between matte and dull?
Both matte and dull are relatively informal words, but matte may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with design, art, and fashion.
