What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bastion
Example
The castle was built with bastions to defend against enemy attacks. [bastions: plural noun]
Example
The organization is seen as a bastion of traditional values. [bastion: singular noun]
citadel
Example
The citadel overlooks the city, providing a strategic vantage point. [citadel: noun]
Example
The ancient citadel was a symbol of the kingdom's might and authority. [citadel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Citadel is less common than bastion in everyday language. Bastion has a broader range of contexts and can be used metaphorically, making it more versatile and frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bastion and citadel?
Both bastion and citadel have a formal tone, but bastion can also be used in informal contexts due to its metaphorical usage.