Meaning & use
insignia
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Meanings
nouncountable
A badge, symbol, or emblem that shows a person's rank, membership, or achievement.
Grammar: Can be used as singular or plural; the plural is often the same, but 'insignias' is also used.
Patterns
- military insignia
- wear insignia
- insignia of rank
The soldier wore the insignia of his regiment on his uniform.
The company logo is an insignia that appears on all its products.
She received a gold insignia for her years of service.
nouncountableliterary
A distinguishing mark or sign of a particular quality or condition.
Grammar: Often used in literary or formal contexts.
Patterns
- insignia of something
The crown was an insignia of royal power.
In some cultures, a ring is an insignia of marriage.
Word forms
| plural | insignia |
|---|---|
| plural | insignias |
Common combinations
- military insignia
- He collected military insignia from different countries.
- wear insignia
- All members must wear the club insignia at meetings.
- insignia of rank
- The insignia of rank was clearly visible on his shoulder.
- display insignia
- The car displayed a small insignia on its hood.
Synonyms and how they differ
- badge
- A badge is typically a small piece of metal or cloth worn to show identity or achievement; insignia is broader and can include symbols on uniforms or objects.
- emblem
- An emblem is a symbolic design representing a group or idea; insignia often specifically indicates rank or membership.
- symbol
- A symbol is a general mark or sign; insignia is more specific to official or formal marks of status.
Commonly confused: insignia or insignificant?
insignia vs insignificant
Means 'not important'; 'insignia' is a noun for a badge or symbol.
Practice
The general's uniform had a special ______ on the collar indicating his high rank.
Choose one answer.
'Insignia' is the correct noun for a badge or symbol showing rank. 'Insignificant' is an adjective meaning unimportant, 'signature' is a person's name written by themselves, and 'signal' is a gesture or sound conveying information.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “insignia”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.