Badged - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

past form

Badged is the past tense of the verb badge, which means to provide with a badge or to mark something with a badge. It often references the act of granting someone an emblem of authority or membership.

Synonyms

credentialed, emblemed, identified.

Examples of usage

He badged the new recruits at the ceremony.
The organization badged the volunteers with official IDs.
They badged each member of the exclusive club.
The officer badged his identification before entering the building.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Badges are widely recognized in military cultures, denoting rank, qualifications, and special honors.
In educational settings, badges are increasingly used in digital learning environments to motivate students and recognize their achievements.
Many organizations use badges as a part of their branding strategy, helping employees and members to showcase their identity.

Psychology

The use of badges can enhance motivation by providing individuals with tangible recognition for their hard work and success.
Research indicates that earning badges can create a sense of belonging and community among participants in a group or organization.
Badges can trigger the brain's reward system, reinforcing positive behavior and increasing the likelihood of future achievements.

Technology

In the digital world, gamification often incorporates badges to reward users for completing tasks, making the experience more engaging.
Many online platforms, like LinkedIn, use badges to showcase skills and endorsements, helping users to stand out in a competitive job market.
With the rise of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), digital badges have been implemented as proof of learning, allowing participants to demonstrate their knowledge.

Literature

Badges appear in various literary works as symbols of honor, loyalty, or personal growth, often reflecting a character's journey.
In children's literature, badges often symbolize bravery or achievement, encouraging themes of perseverance and success.
Iconic characters in literature sometimes carry badges that represent their identity, such as police badges for detectives or scouting badges for young adventurers.

Origin of 'badged'

Main points about word origin

The term 'badge' comes from the Middle English word 'badde,' which referred to a sign or symbol of authority.
Historically, badges were used by knights in the medieval period to signify allegiance to a lord or specific accomplishments in battle.
In modern times, badges have evolved to represent various achievements, from scouting and sports to online gaming.

The word 'badge' comes from the Old French word 'bagde,' which originally referred to an emblem. It found its way into English by the late 14th century. The term was primarily used to denote a mark of distinction or an emblem worn on clothing to indicate rank, membership, or affiliation with a group. The verb form 'to badge' emerged later, in the 19th century, indicating the act of attaching or bestowing such emblems. Historically, badges have functioned as symbols of authority or identification across various fields, including law enforcement, military, and volunteer organizations. The practice of using badges has also lent itself to the creation of various designs and meanings, further enriching its etymological journey.

Badged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations