What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fealty
Example
The knight swore fealty to the king, promising to serve him faithfully. [fealty: noun]
Example
The vassal pledged his fealty to his lord, promising to defend him against all enemies. [fealty: noun]
allegiance
Example
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. [allegiance: noun]
Example
The soldier showed his allegiance to his country by risking his life in battle. [allegiance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Allegiance is more commonly used than fealty in modern English. Allegiance is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while fealty is less common and has a more specific historical meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fealty and allegiance?
Fealty is a more formal and archaic word that is typically associated with historical or literary contexts. Allegiance, on the other hand, is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more suitable for everyday language use.