Learn English – the difference between a marque and a brand

differencesexpressionsmeaningword-usage

What is the difference between a marque and a brand? For example, why would one use the expression "car marques" instead of "car brands"?

Best Answer

Semantically in OP's context the two words have the same basic meaning. They both identify either the actual manufacturer or a specific product range from that manufacturer.

However, there is a subtle difference perceived by at least some advertisers, and implied by dictionary.com's definition which gives luxury or racing car as likely things to which marque may be applied...

The word marque (perhaps because of its 'exotic' French origin and associations) is generally understood to be a slightly more 'upmarket' term. Asda/Walmart sell their 'own brand' products, but I think many of us would feel it was pretentious in the extreme if these were to be promoted as being under their marque.

Marque is primarily associated with 'quality' automobiles, but it also commonly occurs with other luxury brands such as Dunhill smoker's paraphernalia, and Christian Dior in the world of haute couture.