What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ensign
Example
The American ensign flew high above the embassy. [ensign: noun]
Example
The ensign led the parade carrying the national flag. [ensign: noun]
Example
He wore an ensign on his uniform to indicate his rank. [ensign: noun]
emblem
Example
The eagle is often used as an emblem of freedom and strength. [emblem: noun]
Example
The company's emblem is a green leaf. [emblem: noun]
Example
The national emblem features a lion and a unicorn. [emblem: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emblem is more commonly used than ensign in everyday language. Emblem is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ensign is less common and is mostly used in military or naval contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ensign and emblem?
While ensign is typically associated with a formal tone, emblem is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
