army
army
Pronunciation
army: /ˈɑːr.mi/
ar: /ɑːr/ (as in "car") - open back unrounded vowel, followed by a rhotic approximant
my: /mi/ (as in "see") - close front unrounded vowel
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: army
Plural Noun: armies
Adjective (related to an army): army (e.g., "army uniform," "army base") - Note: While "army" can function adjectivally, it doesn't typically take comparative or superlative forms in this role.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A large, organized body of armed personnel trained for war, especially on land. This group is typically under the command of a government or ruling authority and is responsible for national defense, security, and sometimes offensive military operations.
Synonyms: military, forces, troops, armed services, host (archaic)
Antonyms: civilians (as a collective not involved in military), populace
A large group of people, animals, or things organized for a specific purpose or moving together in a unified way. This definition emphasizes the collective and often purposeful movement or organization, even if not military in nature.
Synonyms: multitude, horde, throng, swarm, host, multitude, legion
Antonyms: handful, scattering, few, handful, smattering
Adjective
Of or relating to an army or armies; characteristic of or used by an army. This describes something associated with military forces, their equipment, or their operations.
Synonyms: military, martial, soldierly, warlike, armed
Antonyms: civilian, non-military, peaceful, civil
Examples of Use
Books: "The general surveyed his army with a steely gaze, knowing the fate of the nation rested on their shoulders." (From a historical fiction novel about a major war)
Newspapers: "The government announced plans to significantly increase the size of its standing army in response to rising regional tensions." ( The Daily Herald, July 2024)
Online Publications: "An army of volunteers mobilized across the country to assist with disaster relief efforts after the devastating earthquake." ( ReliefWeb, October 2023)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): In Saving Private Ryan, the opening scenes vividly depict the American army landing on the beaches of Normandy during D-Day.
Entertainment Mediums (Television Series): "The Night King led his army of the dead against the living in the epic battle for Westeros." (From Game of Thrones, Season 8, April 2019)
Entertainment Platforms (Video Game): Players must strategically build and command their army to conquer enemy territories in the popular real-time strategy game, Age of Empires.
General Public Discourse: "My son just joined the army, and we're so proud of his commitment to serving our country."
General Public Discourse: "There's an army of ants marching across my kitchen counter – I need to do something about this infestation!"
10 Famous Quotes Using Army
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." - Alexander the Great (as quoted on BrainyQuote)
"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all." - George Washington (as quoted on BrainyQuote)
"An army marches on its stomach." - Napoleon Bonaparte (as quoted on BrainyQuote)
"The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers." - General George S. Patton Jr. (as quoted on ThoughtCo)
"To defend a country you need an army, but to defend a civilization you need education." - Jonathan Sacks (as quoted on BrainyQuote)
"An army of principles can penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot." - Thomas Paine (as quoted on BrainyQuote)
"Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army." - Edward Everett (as quoted on BrainyQuote)
"An army without culture is a dull-witted army, and a dull-witted army cannot defeat the enemy." - Mao Zedong (as quoted on A-Z Quotes)
"A truly successful army is one that, because of its strength and ability and dedication, will not be called upon to fight, for no one will dare to provoke it." - Ronald Reagan (as quoted on A-Z Quotes)
"None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is therefore at all times important." - Thomas Jefferson (as quoted on BrainyQuote)
Etymology
The word "army" has a long history, tracing its roots back to ancient times. It ultimately comes from the Latin word "armata," which meant "armed" or "armed force." This Latin term itself is based on "arma," meaning "weapons" or "arms."
So, at its very core, "army" is about weapons and being armed.
The word traveled through Old French. In Old French, there was a word "armee," which also referred to an "armed expedition" or "military force."
The first known use of "army" in English, with a meaning similar to what we understand today, appeared in the early 14th century. At that time, it was used to mean "an armed expedition" or "a military force prepared for war." It literally described a group of people carrying "arms" (weapons) for fighting. Over time, its meaning broadened slightly to encompass any large, organized group of soldiers.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Army
An army marches on its stomach: This idiom means that the success of an army (or any large undertaking) depends on its members being well-fed and provided for.
An army of one: This phrase describes someone who is self-sufficient and capable of handling a large task alone, as if they were an entire army.
Army strong: A slogan emphasizing the strength, resilience, and unity associated with military forces.
Army brat: An informal term for a child who grew up in a military family, moving frequently due to a parent's army assignments.
To raise an army: To assemble and prepare a military force.
The whole army and navy: An informal expression meaning "everyone" or "a very large group of people."
An army of ants: A common phrase to describe a very large number of ants moving together.
Fighting the good fight with the army of truth: (Figurative/Original) Emphasizes battling for what is right using facts and honesty.
A formidable army: Describes a very strong and intimidating military force.
To join the army: To enlist in the military.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of army from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
