Lord: meaning, definitions and examples

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lord

 

[ lɔːd ]

Context #1 | Noun

title

A person who has power and authority over others, especially a feudal superior.

Synonyms

leader, master, ruler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lord

Used often in historical or fantasy contexts to indicate a noble, powerful man with authority, or sometimes, divinity. It can also be used in a religious sense to refer to a deity or god.

  • The lord of the castle greeted his guests warmly.
  • He prayed to the Lord for guidance.
master

Used to signify someone with full control or proficiency over something or someone, often with a focus on expertise or skill. It can have a negative connotation when referring to historical contexts of slavery.

  • He is a master at chess.
  • The master commanded his servant.
ruler

Primarily used in political or historical contexts to describe someone who rules over a country or territory.

  • The ruler of the kingdom made a new decree.
  • She was considered a wise and just ruler.
leader

Commonly used in business, politics, and social scenarios to describe someone who guides, directs, or commands a group of people.

  • She is a strong leader of the team.
  • The political leader addressed the nation.

Examples of usage

  • He was the lord of the manor.
  • She addressed him as 'my lord'.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

God or Jesus Christ, especially as a title.

Synonyms

god, messiah, savior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lord

Often capitalized when used to refer to the Christian God or Jesus in religious contexts. It conveys deep respect and worship.

  • The Lord's Prayer is a central prayer in Christianity.
  • People gathered in the church to worship the Lord.
god

Refers to a supreme being worshipped in monotheistic religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It can also be used colloquially to emphasize greatness or importance.

  • Many people pray to God for guidance and support.
  • For the love of God, please stop arguing!
savior

Used to denote someone who rescues or saves others from danger or harm. In a religious context, often refers to Jesus Christ in Christianity.

  • The firefighters were the saviors of the trapped passengers.
  • Christians believe Jesus is the Savior who died for humanity's sins.
messiah

Refers to the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesized in the Hebrew Bible. In Christianity, it denotes Jesus Christ. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone seen as a savior or liberator.

  • The prophet spoke of a coming Messiah who would save the people.
  • She was hailed as a political messiah for her efforts in reform.

Examples of usage

  • Our Lord and Savior.
  • Praise the Lord!
Context #3 | Noun

British informal

A man of noble rank or high social standing.

Synonyms

aristocrat, gentleman, nobleman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lord

Used primarily as a formal title for a person with significant authority, power, or influence, especially in a feudal system or in the context of British nobility.

  • The lord of the manor hosted a grand feast for the villagers.
  • Lord Grantham is a key character in the TV series Downton Abbey.
nobleman

A general term for someone of noble rank or birth. It emphasizes the person's hereditary title and social status.

  • The nobleman was known for his generosity and bravely in battle.
  • As a nobleman, he had responsibilities to both his family and the king.
aristocrat

Refers to a person who belongs to the aristocracy, typically someone who has inherited their status through family lineage. Often associated with wealth, power, and a high social standing.

  • As an aristocrat, she had access to the finest education and social events.
  • The aristocrats gathered for a private ball at the Duke's estate.
gentleman

Used to describe a man of good manners, courtesy, and a refined behavior. This term is more about personal conduct and does not necessarily imply noble birth.

  • He was considered a true gentleman, always opening doors for others.
  • She felt safe knowing her date was a gentleman.

Examples of usage

  • The lords and ladies of the court.
  • She mingled with the lords and ladies of society.

Translations

Translations of the word "lord" in other languages:

🇵🇹 senhor

🇮🇳 प्रभु

🇩🇪 Herr

🇮🇩 tuan

🇺🇦 господар

🇵🇱 pan

🇯🇵 主 (しゅ)

🇫🇷 seigneur

🇪🇸 señor

🇹🇷 efendi

🇰🇷 주인

🇸🇦 رب

🇨🇿 pán

🇸🇰 pán

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 gospod

🇮🇸 herra

🇰🇿 мырза

🇬🇪 უფალი

🇦🇿 ağa

🇲🇽 señor

Etymology

The word 'lord' originated from Old English 'hlāford', which means 'keeper of the bread'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify a person with power and authority. In feudal societies, lords were landowners who held power over vassals and serfs. The title 'lord' also has religious connotations, referring to God or Jesus Christ. In British culture, 'lord' is used informally to denote a man of high social standing or noble rank.

See also: lordship, overlord.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,204, 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.