Ivory vs. Cream: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 28, 2024
Ivory is a soft white with a slight yellow tinge, representing elegance, while cream is a pale yellow, symbolizing calmness and comfort.
Key Differences
Ivory is a subtly warm shade of white, often with a hint of yellow, reminiscent of the material ivory. It exudes a sense of quiet sophistication. Cream, on the other hand, is a muted shade between white and yellow, more saturated than ivory, offering a sense of warmth and softness.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Ivory, deriving its name from elephant tusks, carries connotations of purity and luxury. It's associated with elegance and a refined aesthetic. Cream, evoking the rich texture of dairy cream, symbolizes richness and comfort, often used in settings that aim for a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
In interior design, ivory is preferred for creating a clean, classic look without the starkness of pure white. It's versatile, blending well with most colors. Cream, with its warmer undertone, is ideal for creating a soothing, inviting environment, often paired with earthy, natural colors.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
In fashion, ivory garments offer a softer alternative to white, suitable for various occasions and complementing a wide range of skin tones. Cream-colored clothing, by contrast, brings a casual, yet sophisticated feel, perfect for both daywear and evening attire.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
In different cultures, ivory often symbolizes good luck and prosperity, being a prized material in art and decor. Cream, with its calming hue, is frequently associated with simplicity and understated elegance, popular in both traditional and contemporary designs.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Origin of the Word
From “ivory,” the material.
From “creme,” Old French for “cream.”
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Usage in Descriptions
Often used to describe delicate, high-quality items.
Commonly used to describe cozy, soothing environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
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Ivory and Cream Definitions
Ivory
A hard, white material from elephant tusks.
The antique piano had ivory keys.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
Ivory
Symbolizing purity or elegance.
Their ivory wedding theme was breathtaking.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
A thick liquid or semi-solid cosmetic or medical preparation.
She applied a moisturizing cream to her face.
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Jan 14, 2024
Ivory
A prized, valuable substance.
The museum displayed ancient ivory artifacts.
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Jan 14, 2024
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Cream
To beat or blend until smooth and soft.
He creamed the butter and sugar for the cake.
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Jan 14, 2024
Ivory
A hard, smooth, yellowish-white substance composed primarily of dentin that forms the tusks of the elephant.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
Cream
The yellowish fatty component of unhomogenized milk that tends to accumulate at the surface.
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Jan 14, 2024
Ivory
A similar substance forming the tusks or teeth of certain other mammals, such as the walrus.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
To take or remove (the best part)
Creamed off the highest-paying jobs for her cronies.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
To take the best part from
Creamed the whole department to form his management team.
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Jan 14, 2024
Ivory
(uncountable) The hard white form of dentin which forms the tusks of elephants, walruses and other animals.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
The butterfat/milkfat part of milk which rises to the top; this part when separated from the remainder.
Take 100 ml of cream and 50 grams of sugar…
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
The liquid separated from milk, possibly with certain other milk products added, and with at least eighteen percent of it milkfat.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
Cream
The liquid separated from milk containing at least 18 percent milkfat (48% for double cream).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
Ivory
The hard, white, opaque, fine-grained substance constituting the tusks of the elephant. It is a variety of dentine, characterized by the minuteness and close arrangement of the tubes, as also by their double flexure. It is used in manufacturing articles of ornament or utility.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
Cream
(tea and coffee) A portion of cream, such as the amount found in a creamer.
I take my coffee with two cream and three sugar.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
(informal) Frosting, custard, creamer, or another substance similar to the oily part of milk or to whipped cream.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
(figuratively) The best part of something.
The cream of the crop
The cream of a collection of books or pictures
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Jan 14, 2024
Ivory
A hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
Cream
(medicine) A viscous aqueous oil/fat emulsion with a medicament added, used to apply that medicament to the skin. (compare with ointment)
You look really sunburnt; you should apply some cream.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
(obsolete) The chrism or consecrated oil used in anointing ceremonies.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
To puree, to blend with a liquifying process.
Cream the vegetables with the olive oil, flour, salt and water mixture.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
To turn a yellowish white colour; to give something the color of cream.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
(slang) To obliterate, to defeat decisively.
We creamed the opposing team!
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
The rich, oily, and yellowish part of milk, which, when the milk stands unagitated, rises, and collects on the surface. It is the part of milk from which butter is obtained.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
A delicacy of several kinds prepared for the table from cream, etc., or so as to resemble cream.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
A cosmetic; a creamlike medicinal preparation.
In vain she tries her paste and creams,To smooth her skin or hide its seams.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
The best or choicest part of a thing; the quintessence; as, the cream of a jest or story; the cream of a collection of books or pictures.
Welcome, O flower and cream of knights errant.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
To form or become covered with cream; to become thick like cream; to assume the appearance of cream; hence, to grow stiff or formal; to mantle.
There are a sort of men whose visagesDo cream and mantle like a standing pool.
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
The best people or things in a group;
The cream of England's young men were killed in the Great War
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
Put on cream, as on one's face or body;
She creams her face every night
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Jan 14, 2024
Cream
A pale yellowish-white color.
The walls were painted a soothing cream.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024
Cream
The best part of a group or class.
He was considered the cream of the crop.
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Jan 14, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is ivory still used in modern products?
Due to ethical concerns, real ivory is rare; synthetic substitutes are common.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Is ivory just a color?
Ivory refers both to a material and a pale, elegant color.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Can "ivory" be used to describe anything other than color or material?
Yes, it's often used metaphorically to denote purity or value.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
What feelings does the color ivory evoke?
Ivory evokes a sense of sophistication and quiet elegance.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
How is the color cream typically used in design?
Cream is used to create warm, inviting, and comforting spaces.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Can "cream" imply quality or superiority?
Yes, as in "cream of the crop," it suggests the best of a group.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
What is the origin of "ivory"?
Ivory comes from elephant tusks, symbolizing luxury and purity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
What is the origin of "cream"?
Cream originates from the Old French "creme," relating to the dairy product.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Is cream a color or a physical substance?
a dairy product and a pale yellowish-white color.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
How does ivory differ from pure white?
Ivory is softer and warmer, with a slight yellow tinge compared to white.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
What are common uses of the word "ivory" in phrases?
Phrases like "ivory tower" or "ivory skin" are common.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Does the color cream have any specific cultural connotations?
Cream often symbolizes simplicity, understated elegance, and comfort.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Is cream a good choice for small spaces in design?
Yes, its light, neutral tone can make small spaces feel larger.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Can "cream" be used in cooking terms?
Yes, both as a dairy product and in terms like "to cream" ingredients.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Does the color ivory suit all skin tones in fashion?
Ivory is generally flattering but may vary depending on the individual.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Is cream paint a good choice for exteriors?
Yes, it's popular for exteriors due to its warm, welcoming appearance.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Is cream a versatile color in fashion?
Yes, cream is versatile, suitable for casual and sophisticated styles.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
How does cream contrast with brighter yellows?
Cream is subtler and softer than bright or neon yellows.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Are there ethical concerns with using real ivory?
Yes, due to elephant poaching, the use of real ivory is often criticized.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Can "ivory" be used in a negative context?
Yes, like "ivory tower" can imply being out of touch with reality.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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