Enthroned Meaning: Definition and Examples

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enthroned

[ɪnˈθroʊnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

royal context

To enthrone someone is to place them on a throne, typically in a ceremonial manner, signifying their investiture as a ruler or monarch. This act often involves various rituals and traditions associated with the establishment of authority.

Synonyms

appoint, crown, invest.

Examples of usage

  • The king was enthroned during a grand ceremony.
  • She was enthroned as the queen after the abdication of her father.
  • The freshly elected president will be enthroned next month.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'thron', which means a seat of authority.
  • In ancient cultures, ceremonies were held to formally 'enthrone' kings and queens, marking the transition from commoner to ruler.
  • Several royal families, like the British monarchy, have elaborate rituals for enthronement that emphasize lineage and divine right.

Literature

  • In many fairy tales, characters are often enthroned as symbols of hope and justice, representing a triumph over evil.
  • Shakespeare’s plays explore the theme of power struggles and enthronements, questioning the legitimacy of authority.
  • The enthronement of monarchs often serves as a central conflict point in novels, illustrating the complexities of power dynamics.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, an enthronement ceremony may involve the presentation of gifts to the new leader as a sign of loyalty and respect.
  • The act of enthroning can be a political statement, reflecting the will of the people or a royal family's claim to power.
  • Different cultures may have unique rituals associated with enthronement, such as crowning ceremonies, which may involve religious aspects.

Psychology

  • Being enthroned can symbolize not only power but also the psychological weight of responsibility that comes with leadership.
  • Research suggests that the way a leader is enthroned can influence public perception of their authority and effectiveness.
  • The concept of enthronement extends to how individuals view success and achievement in various contexts, like business or personal goals.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary language, 'enthroned' can refer to anyone who is given a high status or position, not just royalty.
  • Pop culture often employs the idea of enthronement in stories where someone rises to power dramatically, capturing audience intrigue.
  • Social media has created a new kind of 'enthroning' with influential figures gaining prominence and authority in digital spaces.

Origin of 'enthroned'

The word 'enthroned' is derived from the verb 'enthrone', which has its roots in Middle English 'enthronen' and is traced back to Old French 'entroner'. The prefix 'en-' signifies 'to cause to be' or 'to put in', while 'throne' originates from the Latin 'thronus', which in turn comes from the Greek 'thronos', meaning 'seat' or 'chair'. Historically, the act of enthroning dates back to ancient civilizations and has been a significant event in cultures, symbolizing the start of a ruler’s reign. It often involved divine approval or blessing, as many societies believed that kings were appointed by the gods. Thus, the term has evolved over centuries to denote not just the physical action of placing someone on a throne but also the broader implications of leadership and authority.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,795, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.