What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
knight
Example
The knight rode his horse into battle with his sword drawn. [knight: noun]
Example
He acted like a true knight by defending the helpless and fighting for justice. [knight: adjective]
cavalier
Example
The cavalier charged towards the enemy lines on his horse with his sword raised high. [cavalier: noun]
Example
He had a cavalier attitude towards his responsibilities, often neglecting them in favor of leisure activities. [cavalier: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Knight is more commonly used than cavalier in everyday language. Knight is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, including literature, history, and popular culture. On the other hand, cavalier is less common and is mostly used in literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between knight and cavalier?
Both knight and cavalier have formal connotations due to their historical and literary significance. However, knight is more commonly used in formal contexts, while cavalier is more associated with a playful or ironic tone in informal contexts.