Safe havens: exploring "shelter" vs. "refuge"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 01/10/2024, 12:07

English.me team member

Shelter and refuge. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "shelter" and "refuge" refer to a place or condition of protection, safety, or escape from danger or hardship.

What is different?

"Shelter" often emphasizes a physical structure or temporary place of protection, while "refuge" focuses more on the condition of safety and can be used metaphorically.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Shelter

We found shelter from the storm under a bridge.
The animal shelter takes in stray dogs and cats.
During the hike, we took shelter in a cave.

Refuge

The exiled prince found refuge in a neighboring country.
Music was her refuge from the chaos of everyday life.
The refugees sought refuge at the border.