What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lance
Example
The knight charged with his lance aimed at the opponent's shield. [lance: noun]
Example
The soldier thrust his lance into the enemy's chest. [lance: verb]
glaive
Example
The glaive was a popular weapon among French infantry during the Middle Ages. [glaive: noun]
Example
The guards carried ornate glaives during the royal procession. [glaives: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lance is more commonly used than glaive in everyday language. Lance is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while glaive is less common and refers specifically to a type of medieval weapon.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lance and glaive?
Both lance and glaive are associated with a formal and historical tone, making them more appropriate for formal writing or discussions related to medieval history or warfare.
