Badges are symbols or emblems that are worn on clothing or accessories to indicate a person’s rank, status, or affiliation. They have been used for centuries and can be found in various forms, such as military badges, police badges, and sports badges. This article will explore the definition and meaning of badges, their origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
A badge is a piece of metal or cloth that is worn on clothing or accessories to indicate rank, membership, or achievement. It can also be a symbol or emblem that represents an organization, institution, or group. In some cases, badges can be used as a form of identification, such as a police badge.
Origin
The use of badges can be traced back to ancient times, where they were used as symbols of authority, honor, and status. In medieval Europe, knights wore badges on their armor to indicate their allegiance to a particular lord or king. During the Renaissance, badges were used as a form of personal identification, and they were often worn by servants, tradesmen, and artisans.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a badge is “a piece of metal or cloth bearing a design or inscription, worn to indicate membership of a particular group or society or as a mark of rank or achievement.” Merriam-Webster defines a badge as “a distinctive emblem worn as a mark of membership, achievement, or authority.”
Associations
Badges are often associated with military, police, and sports organizations. Military badges are used to indicate rank and specialization, while police badges are used to identify law enforcement officers. Sports badges are used to indicate team membership and achievement.
Synonyms
Synonyms for badges include emblem, insignia, crest, medal, pin, and patch.
Antonyms
Antonyms for badges include dishonor, disgrace, and shame.
The same root words
The word “badge” comes from the Middle English word “bagge,” which means “sign” or “emblem.” It is also related to the Old French word “bache,” which means “shield.”
Example Sentences
- The police officer showed his badge to the security guard.
- The soldier proudly wore his military badge on his uniform.
- The sports team received badges for winning the championship.
- The student earned a badge for completing the online course.
Badges are symbols or emblems that are worn to indicate membership, achievement, or authority. They have been used for centuries and can be found in various forms, such as military badges, police badges, and sports badges. The meaning of badges can vary depending on the context, but they are often associated with honor and recognition.