Queenly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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queenly

[ˈkwiːnli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

related to a queen

Having the characteristics or qualities of a queen; regal, majestic, or royal in manner.

Synonyms

majestic, regal, royal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
queenly

Used to describe something that has the elegance, grace, or dignity of a queen. Often used in relation to a person's behavior or appearance.

  • She walked into the room with a queenly grace.
  • Her queenly demeanor commanded respect.
regal

Used to describe something that fits or is suitable for a king or queen, often emphasizing nobility and stateliness. Can be used for settings, attire, or personal qualities.

  • She wore a regal gown made of velvet.
  • His regal posture made him stand out in the crowd.
majestic

Used to describe something grand, impressive, and awe-inspiring, either in size, beauty, or power. Often used for nature, large structures, or significant achievements.

  • The mountains looked majestic against the morning sky.
  • He delivered a majestic performance that left the audience in awe.
royal

Used to describe something related to a king, queen, or their family. Can also indicate impressive quality or grandeur, but with a more direct reference to monarchy.

  • The royal family attended the ceremony.
  • They stayed at a royal palace during their visit.

Examples of usage

  • She walked with a queenly grace.
  • Her queenly presence commanded attention from all in the room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, queens have symbolized not just royalty but also motherhood and country, often acting as figures of hope during tough times.
  • Throughout history, some queens were powerful rulers in their own right, like Cleopatra of Egypt and Elizabeth I of England, who shaped their nations.

Literature

  • In stories, queens are often depicted as wise and benevolent leaders, as seen in tales like 'Snow White' and 'The Snow Queen.'
  • Shakespearean plays frequently feature queenly characters that depict the struggles of power and femininity, showcasing their influence in drama.

Psychology

  • Being queenly can be associated with strong self-confidence, where individuals exhibit assertiveness and poise in their decisions.
  • Psychological research indicates that individuals who embody regal traits may enhance their leadership capabilities in group dynamics.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the term 'queenly' is often used in fashion and beauty, symbolizing elegance, poise, and high-class style.
  • In social media culture, people use 'queen' to empower one another, celebrating confidence and individuality, often seen in uplifting memes.

Origin of 'queenly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'cwen,' which means a woman or wife, evolving to represent royal power.
  • Many languages have similar words for queen, like 'reina' in Spanish and 'reine' in French, reflecting its universal concept of female royalty.

The word 'queenly' originated from the Middle English word 'queanly' which meant 'belonging to a queen'. Over time, the spelling evolved to 'queenly' and it came to be used to describe something or someone with the characteristics or qualities of a queen.


See also: queen.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,821 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.