Master confusing words with ease
Half mast vs. Half staff
Half mast
/hæf mæst/Examples:
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsHalf staff
/ˌhæf ˈstæf/Examples:
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsWays to tell them apart:
- Half mast is typically used in maritime contexts, and refers to the flag being midway up a ship's mast.
- Half staff is commonly used in general contexts, particularly in the United States, for flags on land.
- Both terms signify a sign of respect, mourning, or distress, but they are used in different contexts.
- Remember, mast is associated with ships and staff is associated with poles on land.
- Visualize a ship mast and a flagpole to remember where each term applies.
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