Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Princess Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👸
Add to dictionary

princess

[ˈprɪnsɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

royalty

A princess is a female member of a royal family, especially a daughter or granddaughter of a king or queen.

Synonyms

queen's granddaughter, royal daughter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
princess

A general term for any female member of a royal family, especially the daughter of a king or queen. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The princess addressed the nation with grace and poise.
  • Every little girl dreams of becoming a princess.
royal daughter

Another way to refer to the daughter of a king or queen, slightly more formal and emphasizing the royal lineage.

  • The royal daughter has taken on many of her mother's responsibilities.
  • As a royal daughter, she has always been in the public eye.
queen's granddaughter

This phrase specifically refers to the granddaughter of a queen. It is used to describe a more distant relationship within the royal family.

  • The queen's granddaughter attended the charity event in her place.
  • Everyone was excited to see the queen's granddaughter at the ceremony.

Examples of usage

  • The princess waved to the crowd from the balcony.
  • The princess wore a beautiful gown to the ball.
Context #2 | Noun

fairy tale

In fairy tales, a princess is often portrayed as a beautiful young woman waiting to be rescued by a prince.

Synonyms

damsel in distress, maiden.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
princess

Used to refer to the daughter of a monarch or a female member of a royal family. Often seen in fairy tales and stories involving royalty.

  • The princess wore a beautiful gown at the ball.
  • He dreamed of rescuing a princess from a distant land.
damsel in distress

This phrase is typically used to describe a young woman who is in danger and needs to be rescued, often seen in fairy tales and old-fashioned stories. Note that it can carry a negative connotation as it implies helplessness and dependence on a male savior.

  • The knight rode to save the damsel in distress from the dragon.
  • In many stories, the heroine starts as a damsel in distress but later becomes strong and independent.
maiden

Used to describe a young, unmarried woman, often in a poetic or archaic sense. It can denote purity and innocence, and is common in historical or fantasy contexts.

  • The maiden waited by the river, singing a melancholic tune.
  • He wrote a poem about the fair maiden who captured his heart.

Examples of usage

  • The princess was locked in a tower by an evil witch.
  • The princess kissed the frog and it turned into a prince.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'princess' comes from the Latin word 'princeps', which means 'first in rank'.
  • In ancient societies, daughters of emperors or kings were often called princesses to signify their noble birth.
  • Royal titles have varied greatly; for example, in some cultures, a princess might also be a queen in waiting.

Literature

  • Princesses are central figures in fairy tales, often depicted as kind-hearted and brave, like Cinderella and Snow White.
  • In many stories, a princess often embarks on a quest for self-discovery or true love, reflecting personal growth.
  • The character of the princess has evolved from damsels in distress to assertive heroines in modern adaptations.

Pop Culture

  • Disney has popularized the concept of the princess through animated films, turning them into role models for young girls.
  • The Disney Princess franchise features iconic characters like Ariel, Belle, and Moana, each teaching valuable life lessons.
  • The portrayal of princesses in films often emphasizes empowerment, showcasing them as independent and resourceful.

Psychology

  • Imagining oneself as a princess can encourage positive self-esteem and aspirations, especially in children.
  • The concept of the princess often embodies societal ideals of beauty, grace, and gentility, impacting cultural norms.
  • Playing the role of a princess in childhood can aid in developing empathy and understanding social roles.

Fashion

  • Princesses are often associated with elegant fashion, influencing trends in attire and weddings across cultures.
  • Crowning and tiaras symbolize royalty, with many cultures having unique designs representing heritage and status.
  • The portrayal of princesses in media has driven fashion brands to create whimsical lines inspired by royal aesthetics.

Origin of 'princess'

The word 'princess' originated from the Old French word 'princesse', which in turn came from the Latin word 'princeps' meaning 'first, chief, prince'. The term has been used to refer to female members of royal families for centuries, symbolizing grace, beauty, and nobility.

See also: prince.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,513 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.