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Pharaoh Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pharaoh

[ˈfɛəroʊ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

ancient ruler

A pharaoh was a sovereign ruler of ancient Egypt, considered a god on earth who held the highest authority over the land and its people. They were responsible for maintaining order and harmony within the kingdom, often associated with divine will and authority. Their reigns were marked by the construction of monumental architecture, including temples and pyramids, and they significant contributions to culture, religion, and politics. The title of pharaoh has become synonymous with the idea of a powerful ruler and is often used in historical references to signify the ancient kings of Egypt.

Synonyms

monarch, ruler, sovereign.

Examples of usage

  • The pharaoh commanded the construction of the Great Pyramid.
  • Cleopatra was one of the last pharaohs of Egypt.
  • Pharaohs were often mummified to preserve their bodies for the afterlife.

Translations

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

Origin of 'pharaoh'

The word 'pharaoh' derives from the Egyptian terms 'per-aa', which literally means 'great house' referring to the royal palace, and historically reflects the political and religious centrality of the king in ancient Egyptian society. Over time, the term evolved to become synonymous with the ancient kings of Egypt themselves. Originally, it was used to describe the grandeur of the royal residence rather than to identify the individuals themselves. The usage of the term pharaoh became common in the New Kingdom period, around 1550-1070 BCE, and it continued to be used throughout the history of ancient Egypt until its decline. The perception of pharaohs as gods was also reinforced through religious practices and the belief that their authority was divinely sanctioned, which played a crucial role in the governance of Egypt during its long history.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,601, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.