Dun vs. Done: Understanding the Difference

Dun vs. Done: Understanding the Difference

Dun vs. Done

When we look at the words dun and done, we find two very different meanings despite their similar spellings. Let’s unravel the mystery behind these words.

Dun

History: The word dun comes from Old English and Middle English, where it meant a dull gray-brown color, like the color of certain animals’ coats.

How to use: We use dun to describe a color that is grayish-brown, usually in nature or associated with certain creatures.

Trick to Remember the Difference: Think of the color of a donkey or a deer’s coat when you see the word dun.

Examples:
1. The dun horse trotted across the meadow.
2. The rabbit’s fur had a soft dun color.
3. The stones near the river were a dull dun hue.
4. She chose a scarf in a lovely shade of dun.
5. A dun pigeon perched on the window sill.

Done

History: The word done comes from Old English and has retained its meaning of completion or finishing a task.

How to use: We use done when we have finished doing something or when an action is completed.

Trick to Remember the Difference: Think of saying “I’m done!” when you finish something to remember its meaning.

Examples:
1. She was done with her homework before dinner.
2. Have you done your chores yet?
3. The chef was done cooking the delicious meal.
4. They were done watching the movie when the power went out.
5. The baby had done playing with the toys.

Summary:
Dun refers to a color, often a dull gray-brown shade, while done means completed or finished. Remember the donkey or deer’s coat for dun and saying “I’m done” for done to keep them straight.