Budge vs. Badge: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 9, 2023
Budge refers to making a slight movement or shifting position, while Badge is an emblem or symbol, often used to signify membership or authority.
Key Differences
"Budge" is a verb that denotes movement, however slight, from a particular position. Even though it implies motion, it’s often used in scenarios where minimal or stubborn shifts are discussed. "Badge," conversely, represents a tangible object, specifically a distinctive emblem or symbol, often reflecting affiliation or authority, and does not involve any implications related to movement or change.
Diving into usage, "Budge" might describe the shifting of an object or a change in standpoint or opinion, depending on the context. In comparison, "Badge" is utilized to signify identification, allegiance, or attainment and is thus predominantly associated with organizations, entities, or philosophical or ideological adherence.
In the narrative or literary sense, "Budge" implies a physical or metaphorical movement or adjustment. In scenarios where tension or resistance is evident, a character might not “budge” from their standpoint. "Badge," in a similar literary setting, could symbolize a character's allegiance, status, or accomplishment, perhaps being a tangible reflection of their identity or affiliation.
With "Budge," you encounter a verb that seamlessly integrates into various contexts, implying a multitude of nuanced movements or shifts. On the other hand, "Badge" always stays true to its noun form, consistently signifying a tangible emblem or symbol throughout different contexts, providing a stable, physical, or metaphorical entity to which characters or narratives can anchor.
In a real-world scenario, to "Budge" might involve a physical object slightly shifting from its place or a person altering their viewpoint modestly. Whereas, showcasing a "Badge" would involve presenting a visible emblem, often worn, that reflects a person’s authority, identity, or membership to a particular group or entity.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Move slightly
An emblem or symbol
Word Origin
Middle English
Middle English
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Example Sentence
The rock won’t budge.
She displayed her police badge.
Plural Form
[No plural, verb]
Badges
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Budge and Badge Definitions
Budge
Move slightly or slowly.
The drawer won't budge.
Badge
A symbolic emblem indicating rank or membership.
The scout wore his badge with pride.
Budge
Cause to move or shift.
I couldn’t budge the heavy box.
Badge
A distinguishing object of achievement.
She earned a badge for her culinary skills.
Budge
Change an opinion with difficulty.
He wouldn’t budge on his decision.
Badge
A sign or indicator of a particular quality.
His laughter is a badge of his optimistic personality.
Budge
Relinquish, with effort, a position.
After negotiations, they finally budged.
Badge
A card used to identify a person.
She swiped her badge to enter the building.
Budge
To move or stir slightly
The trapped child was stuck tight and couldn't budge.
Badge
An emblem worn as a mark of office.
The officer polished his badge meticulously.
Budge
To alter a position or attitude
Had made the decision and wouldn't budge.
Badge
A device or emblem worn as an insignia of rank, office, or membership in an organization.
Budge
To cause to move slightly.
Badge
An emblem given as an award or honor.
Budge
To cause to alter a position or attitude
An adamant critic who couldn't be budged.
Badge
A characteristic mark or indicative trait
“Indifference to what others think is ... the badge of the aristocrat” (Elspeth Huxley).
Budge
Fur made from lambskin dressed with the wool outside, formerly used to trim academic robes.
Badge
A distinctive mark, token, sign, emblem or cognizance, worn on one's clothing, as an insignia of some rank, or of the membership of an organization.
The badge of a society; the badge of a policeman
Budge
Overformal; pompous.
Badge
A small nameplate, identifying the wearer, and often giving additional information.
Budge
(intransitive) To move; to be shifted from a fixed position.
I’ve been pushing this rock as hard as I can, but it won’t budge an inch.
Badge
A card, sometimes with a barcode or magnetic strip, granting access to a certain area.
Budge
(transitive) To move; to shift from a fixed position.
I’ve been pushing this rock as hard as I can, but I can’t budge it.
Badge
Something characteristic; a mark; a token.
Budge
To yield in one’s opinions or beliefs.
The Minister for Finance refused to budge on the new economic rules.
Badge
A brand on the hand of a thief, etc.
Budge
To cut or butt (in line); to join the front or middle rather than the back of a queue.
Hey, no budging! Don't budge in line!
Badge
(nautical) A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one.
Budge
To try to improve the spot of a decision on a sports field.
Badge
(heraldry) A distinctive mark worn by servants, retainers, and followers of royalty or nobility, who, being beneath the rank of gentlemen, have no right to armorial bearings.
Budge
A kind of fur prepared from lambskin dressed with the wool on, formerly used as an edging and ornament, especially on scholastic habits.
Badge
(GUI) A small overlay on an icon that shows additional information about that item, such as the number of new alerts or messages.
Budge
(obsolete) austere or stiff, like scholastics
Badge
An icon or emblem awarded to a user for some achievement.
When you have checked in to the site from ten different cities, you unlock the Traveller badge.
Budge
To move off; to stir; to walk away.
I'll not budge an inch, boy.
The mouse ne'er shunned the cat as they did budgeFrom rascals worse than they.
Badge
(slang) A police officer.
That's why every badge back home wanted to nail him.
Budge
Brisk; stirring; jocund.
Badge
(transitive) To mark or distinguish with a badge.
The television was badged as 'GE', but wasn't made by them.
Budge
Lined with budge; hence, scholastic.
Badge
(transitive) To show a badge to.
He calmed down a lot when the policeman badged him.
Budge
Austere or stiff, like scholastics.
Those budge doctors of the stoic fur.
Badge
(ambitransitive) To enter a restricted area by showing one's badge.
Budge
A kind of fur prepared from lambskin dressed with the wool on; - used formerly as an edging and ornament, esp. of scholastic habits.
Badge
A distinctive mark, token, sign, or cognizance, worn on the person; as, the badge of a society; the badge of a policeman.
Budge
United States tennis player who in 1938 was the first to win the Australian and French and English and United States singles championship in the same year (1915-2000)
Badge
Something characteristic; a mark; a token.
Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.
Budge
Move very slightly;
He shifted in his seat
Badge
A carved ornament on the stern of a vessel, containing a window or the representation of one.
Budge
Make room by moving.
Can you budge over a bit?
Badge
To mark or distinguish with a badge.
Badge
An emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.);
They checked everyone's badge before letting them in
Badge
Any feature that is regarded as a sign of status (a particular power or quality or rank);
Wearing a tie was regarded as a badge of respectability
Badge
Put a badge on;
The workers here must be badged
FAQs
Does "Budge" always indicate a large movement?
No, "Budge" often implies a small or reluctant movement.
Can "Budge" be used metaphorically?
Yes, e.g., "His attitude hasn’t budged," indicating no change in demeanor.
What part of speech is "Budge"?
"Budge" is a verb.
Is "Budge" used in formal writing?
Yes, "Budge" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Can "Budge" be used in various tenses?
Yes, such as "budged," "budging," and "will not budge."
How is "Budge" commonly used in sentences?
E.g., "The door won't budge" or "She wouldn’t budge on her stance."
Can "Budge" refer to non-physical movement?
Yes, it can refer to shifting in non-physical terms, like changing an opinion.
Can "Budge" refer to emotional changes?
Yes, it might imply a subtle shift in emotional or opinionated states.
Is "Badge" used differently in various contexts?
Yes, its symbolic meaning might vary based on context.
Is "Budge" synonymous with "Move"?
In some contexts, yes, but "Budge" usually implies a slight or resisted movement.
Can "Badge" refer to digital icons?
Yes, in modern usage, "Badge" can refer to digital icons indicating achievements or status, especially in online platforms.
Is there a noun form of "Budge"?
Not commonly in modern English, "Budge" is predominantly used as a verb.
What does "Badge" typically symbolize?
It typically symbolizes authority, membership, or achievement.
Are "Badges" physical items?
Typically, yes, they’re tangible items symbolizing affiliation or achievement.
Does a "Badge" always indicate authority?
Often, but not always. It can also signify membership or achievements.
Can "Badge" be used in formal contexts?
Absolutely, "Badge" is appropriate in both formal and informal settings.
Can "Badge" be used metaphorically?
Yes, e.g., "A badge of shame" doesn’t refer to a physical item.
Is "Badge" a noun?
Yes, "Badge" is a noun.
Can "Badge" refer to something intangible?
Metaphorically, yes. E.g., "His kindness is a badge of honor."
Is "Badge" synonymous with "Emblem"?
Yes, though "Badge" more often implies a wearable symbol.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
