george cross: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “george cross” mean?
The highest British award for civilian gallantry, equivalent to the Victoria Cross for military personnel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The highest British award for civilian gallantry, equivalent to the Victoria Cross for military personnel.
An honour bestowed for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger, awarded primarily to civilians but also to military personnel for actions not in the face of the enemy. It is also a heraldic symbol used in some military and civilian insignia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is a well-known, specific term for a national award. In American English, it is a foreign term, known primarily in historical or specialised contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes the utmost heroism, national pride, and solemn respect. In the US, it lacks the same cultural resonance and is more a point of historical reference.
Frequency
Frequent in UK historical/military contexts and honours lists; rare in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “george cross” in a Sentence
[Person/Group] was awarded the George Cross for [act of bravery]The George Cross was bestowed upon [Person/Group].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “george cross” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The George Cross citation was read aloud.
- She is a George Cross recipient.
American English
- A George Cross-level act of heroism.
- The George Cross ceremony was covered in the international news.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, military, and sociological studies of honours and bravery.
Everyday
Rare; used when discussing national heroes, history, or significant awards.
Technical
Used in heraldry, military protocol, and the honours system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “george cross”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “george cross”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “george cross”
- Writing in lower case ('george cross').
- Using as a plural ('George Crosses' is acceptable for multiple medals, but 'He won two George Cross' is wrong).
- Confusing it with the George Medal (a lower award).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be awarded to both civilians and military personnel (for actions not in the face of the enemy). It can also be awarded collectively to organisations or places, like the island of Malta.
It was instituted on 24 September 1940 by King George VI during the Second World War.
In the order of wear (precedence) of British honours, the George Cross is extremely high, ranking just after the Victoria Cross and before all knighthoods and other orders.
It is the post-nominal letters used by a living recipient of the George Cross, similar to 'VC' for the Victoria Cross.
The highest British award for civilian gallantry, equivalent to the Victoria Cross for military personnel.
George cross is usually formal, historical, journalistic in register.
George cross: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɔːdʒ ˈkrɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɔːrdʒ ˈkrɔːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It doesn't come with a George Cross. (Implying a difficult or dangerous task offers no special reward for bravery)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Saint George' (patron saint of England) and a 'Cross' (the medal's shape), combining to form the highest award for civilian courage.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEROISM IS A BADGE OF HONOUR; CIVILIAN BRAVERY IS MILITARY VALOUR.
Practice
Quiz
What is the George Cross primarily awarded for?