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Kingdom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kingdom

[หˆkษชล‹dษ™m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medieval history

A country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen. In medieval Europe, kingdoms were often associated with feudalism, where the king or queen had ultimate authority over the land and its people.

Synonyms

domain, monarchy, realm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kingdom

Typically used to refer to a country or territory ruled by a king or queen. Often used in historical or fantasy contexts.

  • The kingdom was known for its brave knights and beautiful castles
realm

Usually refers to a kingdom or region but can also mean a field or domain of activity or interest. Often used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

  • His influence extends beyond the realm of politics
monarchy

Refers to a system of government where a single ruler, such as a king or queen, holds significant power. Focuses on the political structure rather than the territory itself.

  • The country transitioned from a monarchy to a democratic republic
domain

Used to describe an area of influence, control, or expertise, not necessarily a physical territory. Frequently seen in academic, technical, or business fields.

  • Cybersecurity is her domain of expertise

Examples of usage

  • The kingdom of England was ruled by various monarchs throughout history.
  • In the medieval kingdom, the king's power was absolute.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

The highest category in the classification of living organisms, ranking above a phylum. Kingdoms are used to group organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary history.

Synonyms

category, group, taxon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kingdom

Use this word to refer to a large, significant area or domain, especially when talking about ancient or medieval political entities. It can also be used in a scientific context to denote one of the highest taxonomic ranks in biology.

  • The fall of the Roman Empire led to the rise of various kingdoms in Europe.
  • In biology, the animal kingdom includes creatures from multiple phyla.
taxon

This term is specifically used in scientific and biological contexts to refer to a group of one or more populations of an organism or organisms seen by taxonomists to form a unit.

  • The new species was classified under an existing taxon.
  • Taxonomists are constantly discovering new taxa in diverse ecosystems.
category

This word is best for sorting or classifying items that share common characteristics. It's often used in everyday language to organize or divide things into distinct groups based on shared attributes.

  • All the books in the library are organized by category.
  • In this competition, participants are divided into age categories.
group

Use this when referring to a collection of people, animals, or objects that are gathered together, sharing some common feature. Itโ€™s a very general term and is widely applicable in both formal and informal settings.

  • A group of friends went hiking over the weekend.
  • The research study focused on a group of students from different schools.

Examples of usage

  • Plants and animals belong to different kingdoms in biological classification.
  • The classification system includes five main kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'kingdom' comes from Old English 'cyningdom,' which means 'the realm of a king'.
  • Many of the world's oldest civilizations were organized into kingdoms, with defined territories and rulers dating back thousands of years.
  • In medieval Europe, kingdoms were often built through conquest and alliances, leading to the formation of modern nations.

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, kingdoms have been depicted in countless stories, fairy tales, and folklore, highlighting themes of power, justice, and love.
  • Crown jewels and royal garments symbolize the grandeur and authority of a kingdom's monarchy.
  • The concept of a kingdom also extends to countless fantasy worlds, such as those in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Game of Thrones', showcasing the allure of epic quests and royal conflicts.

Modern Usage

  • Today, there are fewer monarchies, yet the term 'kingdom' can also refer to areas in biology and other sciences, like the classification of life.
  • Several countries still refer to themselves as 'kingdoms', such as the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting their heritage and governance.
  • The term has also been used in modern politics to discuss governance and sovereignty, with interpretations varying widely across different cultures.

Literature

  • Shakespeare's plays often present kingdoms in turmoil, reflecting political intrigue and personal conflicts within royal families.
  • Childrenโ€™s literature often features kingdoms filled with adventure and whimsical characters, capturing imaginations through stories of heroes and heroines.
  • Fables often utilize the setting of a kingdom to convey moral lessons about leadership and community values.

Geography

  • Many real-world kingdoms were shaped by geographical features like rivers and mountains that provided natural boundaries.
  • The rise and fall of kingdoms influenced migration patterns, trade routes, and cultural exchanges throughout history.
  • Some of the world's oldest known kingdoms, like those in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, flourished near waterways, benefiting from agriculture and trade.

Origin of 'kingdom'

The word 'kingdom' originated from the Old English word 'cyningdom', which was derived from 'cyning' meaning 'king' and 'dom' meaning 'domain' or 'state'. The concept of kingdoms has a long history, dating back to ancient times when powerful rulers established vast territories under their rule. Over the centuries, the term 'kingdom' evolved to represent both political entities governed by monarchs and biological classifications of living organisms.

See also: king, kingly, kingpin.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,787, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.