What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consul
Example
The consul helped the American tourists with their lost passports. [consul: noun]
Example
She worked as a consul for the French government in New York City. [consul: noun]
ambassador
Example
The ambassador met with the president of the host country to discuss trade relations. [ambassador: noun]
Example
He was appointed as the ambassador to Japan by the United States government. [ambassador: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ambassador is more commonly used than consul in everyday language. Ambassador is a well-known position that is often mentioned in news and media, while consul is less common and may be unfamiliar to some people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between consul and ambassador?
Ambassador is associated with more formal and ceremonial events, while consul is involved in more practical and administrative tasks. Both words can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
