Crown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crown

[kraสŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on head

A crown is a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority, usually made of precious metal and adorned with jewels.

Synonyms

coronet, diadem, tiara.

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Word Description / Examples
crown

Used to describe a ceremonial headpiece worn by a monarch, usually symbolizing authority, victory, or legitimacy. It is the most general term for a royal head decoration.

  • The queen wore her crown during the coronation ceremony
  • The monarch's crown sparkled with jewels
diadem

A diadem is a type of crown that is often open and lighter, resembling a headband. It is associated with ancient and classical royalty.

  • The empress's diadem was adorned with sapphire stones
  • In the museum, there was a diadem from the Roman era
coronet

Refers to a small, less elaborate crown often worn by nobility just below the rank of a monarch, such as dukes or baronesses. It is more understated than a traditional crown.

  • The duchess placed the coronet on her head
  • He examined the intricate design of the coronet
tiara

This refers to a decorative headpiece that is often worn by women in formal or ceremonial contexts. Tiara may also be used by royalty, but it is generally lighter and more delicate than a crown.

  • She looked radiant wearing her sparkling tiara at the ball
  • The bride chose a beautiful tiara for her wedding

Examples of usage

  • The queen's crown sparkled in the sunlight.
  • The king placed the crown on his head during the ceremony.
Context #2 | Verb

to reward

To crown someone is to bestow a reward or honor upon them, often by placing a crown on their head symbolically.

Synonyms

celebrate, honor, reward.

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Word Description / Examples
crown

Typically used in the context of a coronation or when someone is given a title, especially in royalty or competition.

  • The prince was crowned king in a grand ceremony
  • The winner was crowned champion of the tournament
honor

Utilized when showing high respect or recognition for someone's actions, achievements, or character.

  • They honored the war heroes with a memorial service
  • He was honored with an award for his dedication to the community
reward

Often used when someone receives something in return for their efforts, services, or good behavior. Can also have a negative connotation if used to describe undeserved praise.

  • She was rewarded with a promotion after years of hard work
  • The criminal wrongly received a reward for false information
celebrate

Used when people come together to acknowledge a special event, achievement, or holiday with enjoyment and festivities.

  • We will celebrate her graduation with a big party
  • They celebrate Christmas with family traditions and lots of food

Examples of usage

  • The winner of the competition was crowned with a laurel wreath.
  • He was crowned as the king after his victory.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Crowns have been used since ancient times, with the earliest known examples dating back to around 3000 BC in Egypt.
  • The word 'crown' comes from the Latin 'corona', meaning 'garland' or 'wreath', reflecting its origins as a decorative item.
  • In ancient Rome, crowns were awarded to victors of battles or games, symbolizing honor and achievement.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have various types of crowns, like the 'Mikado' in Japan, which embodies divine authority.
  • In Western traditions, crowns often feature jewels, with the British Crown Jewels containing some of the largest diamonds in the world.
  • Crowns are also common in fairy tales and folklore, representing good versus evil, such as in stories featuring wicked queens or benevolent rulers.

Art & Literature

  • Crowns frequently appear in paintings and sculptures as symbols of power, with famous examples found in Renaissance art.
  • Shakespeare often used the motif of crowns to explore themes of ambition, power struggles, and legitimacy in plays like 'Macbeth'.
  • In poetry, crowns have been used metaphorically to represent aspirations, achievements, or the burdens of leadership.

Psychology

  • Wearing a crown can evoke feelings of confidence and authority, impacting a person's behavior and leadership style.
  • Research in social psychology indicates that symbols of royalty, like crowns, can influence how individuals perceive their own status and social interactions.
  • The crown among children can symbolize play-acting or role-playing, encouraging imagination and the exploration of leadership roles.

Modern Uses

  • Crowns are not only symbols of monarchy; they are also used in modern pageantry, such as in beauty contests to symbolize achievement.
  • In contemporary culture, crowns have become popular in fashion, representing self-confidence and individuality, often seen in accessories or tattoos.
  • Digital and gaming cultures have adopted crowns as symbols of success or elite status, often displayed in profiles or achievements.

Origin of 'crown'

The word 'crown' originated from the Old French word 'corone', which in turn came from the Latin word 'corona' meaning 'crown' or 'garland'. Crowns have been used throughout history as symbols of power, authority, and sovereignty, often associated with royalty and leadership.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,293, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.