What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
condottiere
Example
The condottiere was hired by the city-state to lead their army in battle. [condottiere: noun]
Example
The condottiere's reputation as a skilled tactician made him highly sought after by various employers. [condottiere: adjective]
mercenary
Example
The mercenary was paid to defend the castle against the invading army. [mercenary: noun]
Example
The mercenary's loyalty was always in question since he fought for whoever paid him the most. [mercenary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mercenary is more commonly used than condottiere in everyday language. Mercenary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while condottiere is less common and primarily used in historical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between condottiere and mercenary?
While condottiere is typically associated with a formal or historical tone, mercenary is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
