Flag: meaning, definitions and examples

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flag

[flaɡ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

nationality

A piece of cloth or similar material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope and used as the symbol or emblem of a country or institution.

Synonyms

banner, ensign, standard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flag	Use when referring to a piece of fabric, usually rectangular, with distinctive colors and designs, used as a symbol of a country, organization, or signal. The Olympic flag features five interlocking rings. They raised the national flag on the flagpole.
banner	Use for a long strip of cloth or paper, often with words or symbols, displayed as a sign or decoration, especially during events or protests. The protestors marched with a large banner that read 'Save Our Planet'. A banner advertising the concert was hung over the street.
ensign	Typically used in a military or naval context to refer to a flag that indicates nationality or affiliation of ships. The ship sailed proudly with its ensign flying high. During the ceremony, the ensign was lowered to half-mast.
standard	Often used when referring to a flag or emblem, traditionally carried on a pole, representing royalty, leaders, or military units, more formal and historical in use. The king's standard was carried at the head of the procession. Each regiment had its own unique standard.

Examples of usage

The flag of the United States has fifty stars and thirteen stripes.
During the Olympics, athletes proudly wave their national flags.
The flag was raised at half-mast as a sign of mourning.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

signal

Mark (an item) for attention or treatment in a specified way.

Synonyms

highlight, indicate, point out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flag	When you want to mark something for future attention or indicate a potential problem. Commonly used in technical or problem-solving contexts. We need to flag this transaction for review. He flagged the bug in the system for the developers to fix.
highlight	When you want to draw attention to important information or emphasize key points. Often used in presentations, reports, and discussions. I would like to highlight the main points of my presentation. The report highlights the importance of sustainable practices.
indicate	When you want to show, point out, or provide a sign or signal about something. It can be used in both everyday conversations and formal contexts. The sign indicates the path to the nearest exit. The study indicates a strong correlation between these variables.
point out	When you want to draw someone's attention to something specific, often as a correction or important observation. Frequently used in informal conversations or discussions. I need to point out that there is a mistake in your calculations. She pointed out the similarities between the two paintings.

Examples of usage

Please flag any issues you encounter during the project.
The team leader flagged the important points for further discussion.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Flags have been used since ancient times, with the earliest known flags dating back to the 3rd century BC in China.
The use of flags in warfare began during the Middle Ages to help armies identify friend from foe on the battlefield.
The word 'flag' comes from an Old Germanic word meaning 'to flutter', which describes how it moves in the wind.

Cultural Significance

Different colors and designs on a flag can represent different meanings, like peace, strength, or historical events.
In some cultures, flags are used during ceremonies, such as weddings or funerals, to honor the deceased or celebrate a union.
The rainbow flag is widely recognized as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity.

Science and Nature

The movement of flags in the wind can be studied for aerodynamics, illustrating the principles of lift and drag.
Some flags are designed to be highly visible, using bright colors that can be seen from a distance, especially in emergencies.
The study of how materials behave under various weather conditions helps in creating durable and weather-resistant flags.

Pop Culture

Flags play a significant role in sports, such as the international flags used during the Olympics to represent participating nations.
In movies and television, flags often symbolize loyalty or betrayal, and can be powerful visual storytelling tools.
The phrase 'flagging a ride' comes from the practice of waving a small flag to signal a vehicle to stop for a passenger.

Psychology

Flags can evoke strong emotions, often connected to feelings of nationalism or pride in one's community.
Color psychology shows that specific colors on a flag can influence perceptions and feelings; for example, red can evoke passion and energy.
Displaying a flag in one’s home can create a sense of belonging and identity within one's community or nation.

Translations

Translations of the word "flag" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bandeira

🇮🇳 झंडा

🇩🇪 Flagge

🇮🇩 bendera

🇺🇦 прапор

🇵🇱 flaga

🇯🇵 旗 (はた)

🇫🇷 drapeau

🇪🇸 bandera

🇹🇷 bayrak

🇰🇷 깃발

🇸🇦 علم

🇨🇿 vlajka

🇸🇰 vlajka

🇨🇳 旗帜 (qízhì)

🇸🇮 zastava

🇮🇸 fáni

🇰🇿 ту

🇬🇪 დროშა

🇦🇿 bayraq

🇲🇽 bandera

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,027, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4024 pursued
4025 tracks
4026 protective
4027 flag
4028 symbols
4029 impose
4030 pace
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