Ordinance vs. Ordnance: What's the Difference?
While they may sound similar, ordinance and ordnance refer to very different concepts. An ordinance is an authoritative order or decree, often a rule established by a governmental authority or church. It typically involves legislation or regulation and has a civic or religious context. On the other hand, ordnance refers to military weapons, ammunition, and equipment used in war. This term is most commonly associated with the armed forces and defense industries.
How do you use the word ordinance in a sentence?
The word ordinance is used to describe a law or regulation formulated by a political authority or a directive by a church. It often implies a degree of formality and is enforceable within the jurisdiction that issued it. It's also used in historical contexts to refer to decrees made by monarchs or other rulers.
Examples of ordinance in a sentence
- The city council passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of plastic bags in supermarkets.
- During the Middle Ages, a royal ordinance could set the laws for an entire kingdom.
- Her actions were in direct violation of the community's noise ordinance.
How do you use the word ordnance in a sentence?
Ordnance is a term specifically related to military supplies, particularly weapons and ammunition. Its usage often appears in discussions about military matters, defense policies, weapons development, and historical accounts of warfare. Referring to anything that helps equip an army, ordnance can personalize the formidable aspect of military power.
Examples of ordnance in a sentence
- The munitions factory was tasked with producing a large quantity of ordnance for the upcoming military operation.
- During the war, the beaches were heavily fortified with ordnance to deter the enemy invasion.
- The clearing operation was delayed until the bomb squad could remove all unexploded ordnance from the area.
Ordinance and ordnance definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Ordinance definition:
An ordinance is a piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority or a directive issued by a church or religious body.
Ordinance parts of speech:
Ordinance pronunciation:
Ordinance is pronounced as /ˈɔːr.dɪ.nəns/.
Ordnance definition:
Ordnance refers to military materials, mainly weapons and ammunition, and can also imply the agency responsible for managing these supplies.
Ordnance parts of speech:
Ordnance pronunciation:
Ordnance is pronounced as /ˈɔːr.dnəns/.
An ordinance is a piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority or a directive issued by a church or religious body.
Ordinance parts of speech:
- As a noun: The local government has approved a new ordinance to improve road safety.
- There is no common use of the term ordinance as another part of speech besides a noun.
Ordinance pronunciation:
Ordinance is pronounced as /ˈɔːr.dɪ.nəns/.
Ordnance definition:
Ordnance refers to military materials, mainly weapons and ammunition, and can also imply the agency responsible for managing these supplies.
Ordnance parts of speech:
- As a noun: The soldiers received training on how to handle live ordnance safely.
- There is no common use of the term ordnance as another part of speech besides a noun.
Ordnance pronunciation:
Ordnance is pronounced as /ˈɔːr.dnəns/.
Ordinance vs. ordnance in a nutshell
Ordinance and ordnance, distinct in meaning and usage, should not be confused. Ordinance relates to rules and laws often within a municipal or religious framework, with enforcement and governance implications. Conversely, ordnance emphasizes the realm of military equipment, predominantly weapons and ammunition. Neither term is commonly used outside of its noun form. Clarifying these differences ensures precise communication, particularly in legal or military discussions.
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