What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
embassy
Example
The ambassador and his team work at the embassy in Washington D.C. [embassy: noun]
Example
She was appointed as the ambassador to the United Nations embassy. [embassy: adjective]
consulate
Example
The consulate in New York City provides assistance to citizens traveling abroad. [consulate: noun]
Example
He was appointed as the consul general to the consulate in Shanghai. [consulate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Embassy is more commonly used than consulate in everyday language. Embassy is a more well-known term and is often mentioned in news and media. Consulate is less common and is usually only mentioned in specific contexts, such as travel or immigration.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between embassy and consulate?
Embassy is generally considered more formal than consulate. The term embassy is often used in official documents and diplomatic communication, while consulate is more commonly used in casual conversation or travel-related situations.
