Gray vs Grey
Published January 23, 2023. Updated January 23, 2023.
Gray and grey are two words that sound the same and have similar meanings; however, their uses differ depending on the region. Gray and grey are both adjectives that describe something “of a mix between black and white colors.” The difference between each word is simply their regional usage: gray is commonly used in American English, whereas grey is commonly used in British English.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Gray (adjective)
Of a mix between black and white colors.
Examples:
For American elections, the map remains gray until a clear winner is called in each state.
The skies in Seattle are often gray year-round because of the state’s climate.
As you can see, gray is still a color, but it is spelled with an “A” in American English.
Grey (adjective)
Of a mix between black and white colors.
Examples:
London is often associated with grey, thick fog.
When I visited Liverpool, I was bought a grey peacoat from a local shop.
Again, grey is used in the same way, but it is spelled differently due to its regional usage.
Main Points
- Gray is a color that is a mix between black and white.
- Grey is a color that is a mix between black and white.
- If you need a way to remember the regional differences between each word, think of the “a” in gray as standing for “American,” whereas the “e” in grey stands for “England.”