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Queen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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queen

[kwiːn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

royalty

A queen is a female monarch who rules a kingdom or empire.

Synonyms

monarch, ruler, sovereign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
queen

Used to refer to a female sovereign or the wife of a king. It can also be used metaphorically for someone who excels in a particular role.

  • Queen Elizabeth II has been the queen of England for many decades.
  • She is the queen of pop music.
monarch

Used to refer to a sole and absolute ruler of a state or country, can be a king, queen, emperor, or empress.

  • The monarch resides in the palace.
  • The monarch's decision is final in the kingdom.
ruler

Used to refer to someone who governs or commands a country or territory, not necessarily a monarch. It emphasizes the act of ruling more than the title itself.

  • The ruler imposed new laws on the citizens.
  • A wise ruler should always listen to their subjects.
sovereign

Used to describe a supreme ruler, especially a monarch. It emphasizes independence and ultimate authority.

  • The country gained independence and became a sovereign nation.
  • The sovereign has the power to declare war.

Examples of usage

  • The queen of England is Queen Elizabeth II.
  • She was crowned queen after the death of her father.
Context #2 | Noun

chess

In chess, the queen is the most powerful piece on the board, able to move in any direction.

Synonyms

chess piece, chessman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
queen

When talking about chess, the queen is the most powerful piece on the board, capable of moving any number of squares vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

  • He sacrificed his queen to set up a checkmate.
  • The queen dominated the center of the board.
chess piece

Use 'chess piece' for general conversations about any of the tokens used in the game of chess, including all figures like pawns, knights, and so on.

  • He picked up a chess piece and carefully considered his next move.
  • The handmade chess pieces were beautifully carved.
chessman

This is a more archaic and less common term specifically referring to any of the pieces in the game of chess. It might be used in literature or historical discussions.

  • The old chess set had a few chessmen missing.
  • He skillfully moved his chessman across the board.

Examples of usage

  • The queen can move diagonally, horizontally, or vertically.
  • Capturing the opponent's queen can change the course of the game.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'queen' comes from the Old English word 'cwen', which meant a woman or wife.
  • In many cultures, queens have held significant power, often governing as regents when kings were absent or incapable.
  • Egypt's Cleopatra, one of the most famous historical queens, was known for her intelligence and political acumen.

Literature

  • The character of the queen appears in numerous fairy tales, often portrayed as both a benevolent figure and an antagonist.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, queens feature prominently, showcasing the complexities of female power, such as Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth'.
  • Modern fantasy books often depict queens as powerful sorceresses or warriors, illustrating the evolving image of female rulers.

Pop Culture

  • The band Queen, led by Freddie Mercury, revolutionized rock music and created timeless hits like 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
  • Television series like 'The Crown' have popularized the story of Queen Elizabeth II, offering a dramatized view of her reign.
  • The term 'queen' is frequently used in modern slang to describe a woman who is confident and empowered, especially in LGBTQ+ communities.

Science

  • In bee colonies, the queen bee is vital for reproduction, laying thousands of eggs throughout her life.
  • In genetics, the term 'queen' can refer to dominant female traits expressed in certain species, influencing their behavior and colony structure.
  • Research has shown that female leadership in some species can lead to greater social cohesion within groups.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that the perception of women in leadership roles, like queens, can significantly impact gender equality initiatives.
  • The 'queen bee syndrome' describes situations where women in power may hinder the advancement of other women in their field.
  • Many cultures idealize queens as symbols of strength and grace, which can influence societal attitudes towards female leadership.

Origin of 'queen'

The word 'queen' originated from the Old English word 'cwen', which meant 'woman, wife, or queen'. It has roots in Germanic and Old Norse languages. Queens have played significant roles throughout history, ruling kingdoms and empires, and symbolizing power and authority.

See also: queenly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,207, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.