What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ealdorman
Example
The ealdorman was responsible for maintaining peace and order in his shire. [ealdorman: noun]
Example
The king relied on the ealdorman's counsel in matters of governance. [ealdorman's: possessive noun]
earl
Example
The earl inherited his title from his father. [earl: noun]
Example
The queen appointed the earl as her representative in the province. [earl: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Earl is more commonly used than ealdorman in modern English. Earl is still in use today and has a wider range of contexts, while ealdorman is an archaic term that is no longer used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ealdorman and earl?
Both ealdorman and earl have formal connotations due to their historical roots in nobility and governance. However, earl is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while ealdorman is an archaic term that is not commonly used in modern English.
