bastion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bastion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a fortified place or stronghold, or as a figurative place of refuge or defense. For example, "The library serves as a bastion of knowledge and learning for the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Philip Gould, Blair's closest political confidant, once described him as 'a bastion of common sense'.

The Guardian

Don't they know how absurd and unedifying it is to see places such as Cardowan, Cumnock and Port Ellen associated with a bastion of unearned privilege and wealth through the political avarice of a few old grandees?

The Guardian - Opinion

Under his long stewardship, Luxembourg became Europe's wealthiest country, one of the richest in the world in per capita terms, as well as a bastion of banking secrecy and a tax haven for multinationals keen to exploit the EU's single market while minimising their contributions to the European exchequer.

The Guardian

Finding it less than a bastion of sophistication, Wilde is said to have remarked: "Either the wallpaper goes, or I do".

The Guardian - Travel

There haven't been any stable institutions for quite a while – and the military was seen as the last bastion of stability and recourse," said Bassem Sabry, a prominent Egyptian columnist.

The Guardian

He concluded: "This house has demonstrated time and time again that it is the last bastion of defence of civil liberties and human rights.

The Guardian

Perhaps, the darknet – which Bannon describes as being like "Paris in the 20s" and Empire as "discovering America again" – has the potential to be a bastion of free speech and creativity, where art can escape surveillance and commercialism, to blend with new technology and hard truths in a way that is no longer possible on the surface internet.

The Guardian - Music

"ABC Ultimo is a bloated bastion of broadcasting bureaucrats who have had their snouts in the public trough for far too long.

The Guardian

The actor censured wage inequality across all sectors but focused attention on Hollywood, supposedly a bastion of liberalism, because here even A-list female stars suffer discrimination.

The Guardian - Film

But despite the big changes, the city is struggling to shake off a reputation as a bastion of the far right.

The Guardian

Given that BlackRock, as one of the world's largest asset management companies, is hardly a bastion of bleeding-heart liberals, he has approached the question from a strictly pragmatic perspective.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bastion" to describe entities that provide strong defense or unwavering support, whether in a literal or figurative sense. Remember it can refer to physical locations or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "bastion" solely for physical fortifications; it can also represent abstract defenses of ideas, principles, or communities. For instance, "the legal system" can be a "bastion" of justice.

Linguistic Context

The word "bastion" functions primarily as a noun. It can refer literally to a projecting part of a fortification or, more figuratively, to something that defends or preserves a principle, institution, or way of life. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "bastion" is a versatile noun that denotes a place of strong defense or support, both literally and figuratively. It's grammatically correct, very common, and suitable for use in many registers, as also stated by Ludwig AI. Its use spans various contexts, with primary concentration in News & Media. To enhance clarity, consider synonyms like "stronghold" or "citadel" depending on the intended meaning. While often used correctly, avoid restricting its application to physical fortifications only, because it extends to abstract concepts of defense as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stronghold

Focuses on the physical strength and security of the position.

citadel

Emphasizes the role as a fortress and a place of refuge.

fortress

Highlights the defensive and protective nature of the entity.

bulwark

Stresses the defensive aspect, often against abstract threats.

center of resistance

Highlights the opposition or defiance aspect.

pillar of support

Emphasizes the supportive and foundational role.

mainstay

Indicates reliability and crucial support over time.

strong defense

Focuses on the act of defending rather than the place itself.

secure base

Highlights the safety and stability provided.

inner sanctum

Implies a protected and private space.

FAQs

How can I use "bastion" in a sentence?

You can use "bastion" to describe a place that strongly defends something, like "The library is a "bastion" of free speech", or a physical fortification, like "The castle's "bastions" provided excellent vantage points".

What are some synonyms for "bastion"?

Alternatives to "bastion" include "stronghold", "citadel", or "fortress" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bastion" formal or informal?

"Bastion" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. It is less common in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "bastion" and "fortress"?

While both refer to fortified places, "bastion" often implies a projecting part of a fortification or a place that strongly defends an idea, whereas "fortress" generally refers to a larger, more comprehensive defensive structure.