Word Meaning:
Sovereign refers to a supreme ruler, typically a king, queen, or other monarch. It can also mean possessing ultimate authority or power in a particular realm or area.
History and Origins:
The term sovereign comes from the Old French word soverain, which meant “chief” or “supreme.” It can be traced back to the Latin superanus, meaning “above” or “superior.” Historically, it referred to the highest authority in a monarchy or state.
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Sovereign (noun): A ruler, especially a monarch or king.
Example: The king was the sovereign of the kingdom. - Sovereign (adjective): Possessing supreme or ultimate power.
Example: The nation is a sovereign state, free to govern itself. - Sovereign (noun): A gold coin of the United Kingdom, traditionally used as currency.
Example: The collector had several rare sovereign coins from the 19th century.
Detailed Explanation:
Sovereign can refer to an individual who holds supreme power, often within the context of a monarchy or government system. When used as an adjective, it indicates that something is supreme or independent in authority, such as a “sovereign state” that governs without external interference. Additionally, the word can denote historical or numismatic importance, such as in the form of gold coins.
Example Sentences:
- The queen ruled as a sovereign, making decisions for the entire kingdom.
- After years of struggle, the nation became a fully sovereign state.
- The antique shop displayed sovereign coins dating back to the 1800s.
Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Monarch: A sovereign ruler, especially a king or queen.
- Ruler: A person who governs or leads a country or region, often with power or authority.
- Autocrat: A ruler who holds absolute power, often without limitations.
- Supreme Leader: A person with ultimate authority, often used in political contexts.
Related Words (Short Explanation):
- Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.
- Regal: Relating to a king or queen, or royal power.
- Empire: A group of nations or territories controlled by a single sovereign authority.
- Crown: The symbol or position of sovereign power, often referring to a monarchy.
More Matches (Short Explanation):
- Absolute Power: The complete and unchallengeable authority, often associated with a sovereign ruler.
- Supreme Court: The highest judicial body, sometimes used metaphorically to indicate the ultimate decision-making authority.
- Statehood: The status of being a sovereign state with recognized boundaries and government.
Antonyms:
- Subordinate: A person or thing that is lower in rank or power.
- Vassal: A person or state that is under the protection or control of a more powerful entity.
- Peasant: A person of low social rank, historically under the rule of a sovereign.
- Subject: A person under the control or jurisdiction of a sovereign power.
