What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comitatus
Example
The king's comitatus consisted of brave warriors who would fight alongside him in battle. [comitatus: noun]
Example
The lord was always surrounded by his loyal comitatus, ready to serve and protect him. [comitatus: adjective]
retinue
Example
The queen's retinue included her personal maid, bodyguards, and advisors. [retinue: noun]
Example
The ambassador arrived with a large retinue of staff members and assistants. [retinue: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retinue is more commonly used than comitatus in everyday language. Retinue is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts involving important individuals and their accompanying group, while comitatus is less common and often associated with historical or literary discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between comitatus and retinue?
While both comitatus and retinue can be used in formal contexts, retinue is more commonly used in contemporary language and has a slightly more neutral or formal connotation compared to comitatus, which can evoke a sense of nobility and chivalry.
