What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
castle
Example
The castle stood tall on top of the hill, overlooking the village. [castle: noun]
Example
They visited the castle and marveled at its beautiful architecture. [castle: noun]
fortress
Example
The fortress was built to defend the city from enemy invasions. [fortress: noun]
Example
During the war, the soldiers took refuge in the fortress. [fortress: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Castle is more commonly used than fortress in everyday language, as it is a versatile term that can refer to various historical structures and is often associated with fairy tales and fantasy. Fortress is less common and has a more specific military connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between castle and fortress?
Both castle and fortress can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, castle is generally associated with a more romantic and historical tone, while fortress has a stronger emphasis on defense and security.