Palace Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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palace

[ˈpælɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

royal residence

A palace is a large and impressive building, typically the official residence of a king, queen, or other royal figure. Palaces are often richly decorated and symbolize power and wealth.

Synonyms

castle, chateau, mansion.

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Word Description / Examples
palace

A palace is a grand and luxurious residence typically used by royalty or important dignitaries. It is usually very large and elaborate, often located in a city.

  • The king held a lavish banquet in the palace
  • Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous residences in the world
castle

A castle is a large, fortified building or set of buildings, often from the medieval period. It is typically designed for defense in times of war, with thick walls, towers, and moats.

  • The knights defended the castle from invaders
  • They explored the ancient ruins of the medieval castle
mansion

A mansion is a large, impressive house, often owned by wealthy individuals. While similar in opulence to a palace, it is typically more modern and not associated with royalty.

  • The celebrity hosted a charity event in her mansion
  • After becoming a millionaire, he bought a sprawling mansion in the suburbs
chateau

A chateau is a large French country house or estate, often associated with vineyards or large farms. It tends to have an elegant, stately appearance and can function as a secondary home for the wealthy.

  • They spent the summer vacationing at a chateau in the French countryside
  • The wine from the chateau's vineyard is world-renowned

Examples of usage

  • The royal family lives in the palace.
  • The palace was open to the public for tours.
  • She attended the ball at the palace.
Context #2 | Noun

luxurious building

In a broader sense, a palace can also refer to any large and luxurious building, often used for important events or gatherings. It can be a symbol of grandeur and opulence.

Synonyms

estate, manor, mansion.

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Word Description / Examples
palace

A palace is typically a large and grand building that is the official residence of a monarch, bishop, or other high-ranking dignitary. It conveys a sense of opulence and grandeur.

  • The queen's palace is known for its extravagant gardens and stunning architecture
mansion

A mansion is a large and impressive house, typically more luxurious than the average home. It conveys a sense of wealth without necessarily implying historical or feudal associations.

  • The celebrity bought a mansion overlooking the ocean, complete with a private cinema and tennis courts
estate

An estate generally refers to a large area of land with a grand house and other buildings on it. It can be used to discuss property ownership and often includes both the land and the buildings.

  • The businessman owns a vast estate that includes vineyards and a private lake
manor

A manor is historically a large country house that is the center of a manor system, a feudal lord's large house. It typically implies historical and sometimes rural associations.

  • The old manor has been converted into a luxurious bed-and-breakfast

Examples of usage

  • The hotel felt like a palace with its marble floors and golden chandeliers.
  • The billionaire's mansion was like a modern palace.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Palaces are known for their grand architectural styles, often featuring large gates, intricate gardens, and opulent interiors.
  • Famous examples include the Palace of Versailles in France, known for its elaborate gardens and grand hall of mirrors.

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, palaces have been symbols of power, showcasing wealth and authority of rulers.
  • In various cultures, palaces often host significant events such as royal ceremonies, state functions, and gatherings for diplomats and dignitaries.

Pop Culture

  • Palaces frequently appear in fairy tales and stories, representing a place of magic, adventure, or royal romance.
  • Modern media often showcases palaces in films and series, like 'The Crown,' highlighting the lives of royal families.

Tourism

  • Many palaces have been turned into museums or tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors eager to learn about history and culture.
  • Tourists often visit palaces for their architectural beauty and to get a glimpse into the lives of past royals.

Origin of 'palace'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'palatium', which referred to the Palatine Hill in Rome where emperors lived.
  • In terms of structure, palaces often evolved from fortified castles into more decorative and grand buildings as security became less of a concern.

The word 'palace' originated from the Latin word 'palatium', which referred to the Palatine Hill in Rome, one of the seven hills of Rome. The Palatine Hill was known for its association with the imperial palaces of Roman emperors. Over time, the term 'palace' expanded to refer to grand residences of royalty and the wealthy, symbolizing power and opulence.


See also: pal, palate, palette, pals.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,437, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.