King Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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king
[kÉŞĹ ]
Definitions
ruler
A male monarch who rules a kingdom or empire, typically through hereditary right. Kings often have significant political power and are seen as the highest authority in their realm. Throughout history, kings have played a central role in shaping the political landscape of their countries.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| king |
Used to describe a male leader of a kingdom, often hereditary. Suitable for historical, fantasy, or real-world settings.
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| monarch |
A general term for a single ruling person, male or female, encompassing kings, queens, emperors, and empresses. Suitable for formal or academic contexts.
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| sovereign |
A formal and respectful term for the supreme ruler of a kingdom or territory, often used in legal or official documents.
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| ruler |
Refers broadly to someone who governs or controls a region or group. Can be used in historical, modern, or metaphorical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The king issued a decree to raise taxes in the kingdom.
- The king's coronation ceremony was a grand event attended by nobles from across the land.
- Kings in medieval times often led their armies into battle personally.
playing card
The highest-ranking card in a deck of playing cards, usually depicted with a crown. In many card games, the king is considered the most powerful card and can often determine the outcome of the game.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| king |
Refers to a male sovereign or head of a kingdom. It is commonly used in historical, fairy tales, or modern descriptions of a reigning male monarch.
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| monarch |
A gender-neutral term referring to a sovereign ruler of a kingdom or empire. Suitable for formal and historical contexts.
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| sovereign |
A formal term for a supreme ruler, particularly used in legal or diplomatic contexts. Can apply to both kings and queens.
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| ruler |
A general term for someone who governs or controls a country or region. Can be applied in historical, modern, or metaphorical contexts. Often carries a more neutral tone.
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Examples of usage
- She played the king of hearts to win the trick.
- In a game of poker, having a pair of kings can be a winning hand.
chess piece
The most important piece in the game of chess, capable of moving in any direction on the board. The king is the piece that must be protected at all costs, as its capture results in the end of the game.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| king |
Typically used to describe the male ruler of an independent state, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth.
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| monarch |
A more formal or academic term for a king or queen, emphasizing their role as a single ruler. Suitable for historical or political discussions.
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| sovereign |
Emphasizes the supreme authority and independence of a ruler. Often used in legal, formal, or diplomatic contexts.
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| ruler |
Can refer to any leader of a country, kingdom, or domain. Suitable in contexts where the focus is on the authority and control the individual wields rather than their title.
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Examples of usage
- The player moved their king to safety to avoid checkmate.
- The king can castle with the rook in certain situations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'king' comes from the Old English 'cyning,' which means 'descendant' or 'kin.'
- In ancient cultures, kings were often seen as chosen by gods, giving them divine rights to rule their people.
- Historically, many kings were surrounded by nobles who helped them govern and protect their lands.
Cultural Significance
- In many fairy tales, the king is often portrayed as a wise ruler, contrasting with tyrannical leaders commonly found in stories.
- Kings have been depicted in various forms of art, especially during the Renaissance, when portraits were created to showcase their power and grandeur.
- Even today, popular TV shows and movies often feature kings or royal characters, highlighting their ongoing influence in storytelling.
Psychology
- Studies show that the concept of kingship can evoke feelings of safety or fear, depending on how a king is depicted in narratives.
- The portrayal of kings in media often reflects societal values, such as justice, honor, or tyranny, influencing how audiences perceive authority.
- The archetype of the 'king' in psychology can symbolize power and responsibility, impacting how individuals view leadership in their own lives.
Literature
- Classic literature features many famous kings, such as King Lear from Shakespeare's play, illustrating the complexities of power and familial love.
- In J.R.R. Tolkien's works, the theme of rightful kingship plays a central role, particularly in the character of Aragorn, who embodies honor and courage.
- Fairy tales often have young heroes seeking to reclaim their throne, emphasizing the narrative of justice against tyranny in literature.
Origin of 'king'
The word 'king' has its origins in Old English 'cyning', which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic 'kuningaz'. The concept of kingship has existed for thousands of years, with rulers in various civilizations taking on titles equivalent to 'king'. Kings have been portrayed in literature, mythology, and folklore as powerful and often divine figures. The role of the king has evolved over time, from absolute rulers to constitutional monarchs in modern times.