military
High-frequencyFormal, Neutral, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
Relating to or characteristic of soldiers, armies, or armed forces; the armed forces of a nation as a collective.
Characterized by discipline, order, or aggression akin to armed forces; the group of people who serve in the armed forces.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Serves as both a noun (the collective armed forces) and an adjective (relating to the armed forces). As a noun, it is often used with a singular verb (e.g., The military is...).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. US English may more frequently use 'military' as a noun preceding another noun (military action, military service).
Connotations
Broadly similar. Can connote discipline, order, force, or bureaucracy depending on context.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English due to larger cultural/political discourse around defense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the + military + verb (The military responded)military + noun (military campaign)adjective + military (powerful military)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “With military precision”
- “Military-industrial complex”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in defense industry contexts (e.g., military contractor).
Academic
Common in political science, history, and international relations texts.
Everyday
Common in news and general discussion about defence, war, or national service.
Technical
Precise use in defence, strategy, and logistics contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government was forced to military the response to the crisis. (rare/poetic)
American English
- They decided to military the operation for greater efficiency. (rare/jargon)
adverb
British English
- The troops were arranged military on the field. (archaic/rare)
American English
- He stood military straight during inspection. (archaic/rare)
adjective
British English
- He comes from a long line of military families.
- The parade had a distinctly military air about it.
American English
- She received military honors for her service.
- The company operates with military precision.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The soldiers are part of the military.
- He wears a military uniform.
- The country has a strong military.
- Military service is compulsory there.
- They used military force.
- The military intervention was criticised by several allies.
- He pursued a career in the military after university.
- The geopolitical strategy hinges on a nuanced balance of diplomatic and military leverage.
- The memoir offered a scathing critique of the military-industrial complex.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MILITARY' as 'MILI-TARY' – a million tarry (soldiers waiting/tarrying) for duty.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MILITARY IS A MACHINE (efficient, precise, composed of parts). ORGANISATIONS ARE ARMIES (hierarchy, chain of command).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'милиция' (police).
- The Russian 'военный' is primarily an adjective, while English 'military' is both noun and adjective.
- Avoid using 'army' (армия) as a direct synonym for the entire military (which includes navy, air force).
Common Mistakes
- Using a plural verb with 'military' as a collective noun (incorrect: The military are... – correct in UK English but less common; The military is... is standard).
- Confusing 'militant' (aggressively active for a cause) with 'military'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'military' correctly as a collective noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually treated as a singular collective noun ('The military is...'), especially in American English. In British English, it can be treated as plural when referring to the people within it ('The military are...').
'Army' specifically refers to land-based forces. 'Military' is a broader term encompassing all armed services of a nation (army, navy, air force, marines, etc.).
Yes, very commonly (e.g., military action, military history, military grade).
A term describing the close, symbiotic relationship between a nation's military and the defense industry that supplies it, seen as influencing public policy.