refuge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a place of safety or shelter, often in contexts related to protection or asylum. Example: "During the storm, the villagers sought refuge in the community center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Lifestyle

Books

Arts

Society

Opinion

Business

World

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The island, where the explorer Ernest Shackleton found refuge, is one of the most least-visited places on Earth.

The Guardian - Travel

The civil war, which shows no signs of abating, has cost the lives of more than 200,000 people; left nine million internally displaced and 3.8 million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.

The Guardian

In his case, you’d guess that it was related to an introspection developed in response to an unsettled early life and, second, to an imagination that served (and presumably serves) as a refuge from the knocks he took then.

The Guardian - Film

Subtle changes occur when Babette (Stéphane Audran), a French woman who has fled the wartorn Paris of 1871, turns up on their doorstep seeking refuge and becomes their cook-housekeeper.

The Guardian - Film

Conservationists are deeply opposed to the project because it would wipe out half of the 8,000-hectare 8,000-hectareure Refuge, home to koalas and aBimbleboxbird species, iNatureng the endangeRefugeack-thometod finch and the vulnerable red goshawkoalas

The Guardian

To see this is their special place and refuge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 7.52pm BST19:52 UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, has said the number of people seeking refuge in Gaza has risen above 100,000: — Chris Gunness (@ChrisGunness) July 21 , 2014BREAKING NEWS: The number of people seeking refuge with UNRWA in #Gaza has exceeded 100,000.

The Guardian

With his parents gone, and alone in his apartment, "Fredi" Lakos found refuge with Madi, and a place in her narrative.

The Guardian

The inquiry heard services in the territory are overrun and under-resourced, with one Darwin refuge having turned away 211 families in the last six months alone – more than it took in.

The Guardian

And Dawa leaders, including Maliki, took refuge in Iran during that eight-year conflict.

The Guardian - Opinion

A coachload of people travelling from Sheffield to London had to take refuge after their bus became stuck in the snow.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refuge" to describe a place or state of safety, protection, or shelter, particularly when fleeing from danger or hardship.

Common error

Avoid confusing "refuge" (a place of safety) with "refugee" (a person seeking refuge). For example, instead of saying "The refugee is a refuge", say "The shelter is a refuge for refugees".

Linguistic Context

The word "refuge" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a place or state of safety and protection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It can also function as a verb, although this is less common, meaning to shelter or protect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Film

8%

Arts

7%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "refuge" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote a place or state of safety and protection, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While it can also function as a verb, its use as a noun is far more prevalent. It carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reporting to academic discussions. Its wide applicability is reflected in its presence across various authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist. When using "refuge", consider synonyms such as "sanctuary" or "haven" for nuanced expression, and always differentiate it from "refugee", referring to people seeking such safe spaces. In short, "refuge" is a powerful descriptor for physical and metaphorical safety, widely recognized and correctly used in numerous contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sanctuary

Emphasizes the sacred or inviolable nature of the place of safety.

haven

Suggests a place of peace and tranquility, offering respite from trouble.

safe haven

Combines the ideas of safety and a peaceful retreat.

asylum

Specifically refers to protection granted to political refugees.

shelter

Focuses on the physical protection provided against the elements or danger.

place of safety

A more general term indicating a location free from danger.

retreat

Implies a deliberate withdrawal to a quiet or secluded place for safety or peace.

port in a storm

An idiomatic expression for a place offering help during a difficult time.

recourse

Highlights the act of turning to something or someone for help and protection.

escape

Focuses on the act of fleeing to a safer location.

FAQs

How is "refuge" used in a sentence?

"Refuge" can be used to describe a place of safety or the state of being protected. For example, "The old house became a "refuge" from the storm", or "They sought "refuge" from the political turmoil".

What words can I use instead of "refuge"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "sanctuary", "haven", "asylum", or "shelter".

What is the difference between "refuge" and "shelter"?

While both "refuge" and "shelter" imply protection, "refuge" often suggests a more urgent or desperate need for safety, implying escape from immediate danger. "Shelter" can be a more general term for protection from the elements or other hardships.

Is it correct to say "seek refuge" or "take refuge"?

Both "seek "refuge"" and "take "refuge"" are correct and commonly used. They both mean to find or go to a place for safety or protection.