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, wielding his sword. [knight: noun]
Example
He was known for his knightly virtues of bravery, loyalty, and generosity. [knightly: adjective]
paladin
Example
The paladin swore an oath to protect the innocent and vanquish evil. [paladin: noun]
Example
She played as a paladin in the game, using her divine powers to heal and smite enemies. [paladin: character class]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Knight is a more common and versatile term that can be used in various contexts, such as history, literature, and pop culture. Paladin is less common and mostly used in fantasy literature and gaming contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between knight and paladin?
Both knight and paladin are associated with a formal and archaic tone, but knight is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while paladin is mostly used in fantasy and gaming contexts.