Gild vs. Guild: What's the Difference?
The words gild and guild may sound similar, but they have entirely different meanings and uses. Gild typically refers to the process of covering something with a thin layer of gold or giving an often deceptively attractive or improved appearance. On the other hand, guild denotes an organization of persons with related interests, goals, etc., especially one formed for mutual aid or protection. The term often relates to associations of craftsmen or merchants in medieval contexts.
How do you use the word gild in a sentence?
The verb gild is used to describe the act of applying a gold layer to an object or to metaphorically enhance something to appear more attractive or valuable than it is. It is typically used to suggest superficial enhancement or unnecessary addition to something already adequate or beautiful.
Examples of gild in a sentence
- The frame was cheap plastic, but gilded to look like opulent gold.
- There's no need to gild the lily by adding more decorations to the already stunning dress.
- The chef resisted the urge to gild his signature dish with excessive garnishes.
How do you use the word guild in a sentence?
The noun guild is employed when referring to an organization or group of people who share a common profession or interest, especially those banded together for mutual protection or advancement of professional standards. Historically, guilds played prominent roles in the economic and social fabric of medieval European cities.
Examples of guild in a sentence
- As a new potter in town, she was eager to join the local artisans' guild.
- The guild system was instrumental in training young apprentices and ensuring quality craftsmanship.
- Her contributions to the writers' guild have been invaluable in fostering a vibrant literary community.
Gild and guild definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Gild definition:
Gild (verb): To cover with a thin layer of gold; to give an enhanced, often deceptively attractive appearance to.
Gild parts of speech:
Gild pronunciation:
Gild: /ɡɪld/
Guild definition:
Guild (noun): An association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common goal; specifically, a medieval association of craftsmen or merchants.
Guild parts of speech:
Guild pronunciation:
Guild: /ɡɪld/
Gild (verb): To cover with a thin layer of gold; to give an enhanced, often deceptively attractive appearance to.
Gild parts of speech:
- As a verb: She decided to gild the edges of the book for a luxurious finish.
- As a verb (figurative use): He is known to gild his stories, making them more dramatic than they actually are.
Gild pronunciation:
Gild: /ɡɪld/
Guild definition:
Guild (noun): An association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common goal; specifically, a medieval association of craftsmen or merchants.
Guild parts of speech:
- As a noun: Membership in the guild was highly sought after by the artisans in the city.
- As a noun (plural use): The guilds of the Middle Ages set the standard for quality in their respective trades.
Guild pronunciation:
Guild: /ɡɪld/
Gild vs. Guild in a nutshell
Understanding the difference between gild and guild is vital for both vocabulary precision and comprehension. Gild is an action, commonly understood as applying a golden coating, and it metaphorically implies giving something a superficial but attractive covering. 'Guild,' a term of association, refers to an organized group with shared interests or crafts. While they share the same pronunciation, the contexts in which they are used are clearly distinct: one is a process, the other a collective entity.
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