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Regal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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regal

re-gal

🇺🇸 /ˈɹiɡəɫ/ · 🇬🇧 /ɹˈiːɡəl/

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

of, resembling, or fit for a monarch, especially in being magnificent or dignified.

Synonyms

imperial, kingly, majestic, royal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regal

Used to describe something that is very impressive or splendid, often resembling something associated with a king or queen. It can be applied in a variety of contexts including personal demeanor, fashion, or events.

  • Her regal bearing made her stand out in the crowd.
  • The ballroom was decorated in a regal style, with gold accents and tall columns.
royal

Typically describes something or someone belonging to or related to a king, queen, or royal family. It can be used in official contexts or to denote high status.

  • The royal family attended the ceremony.
  • He received a royal welcome upon his arrival.
majestic

Refers to something that is grand and beautiful, inspiring awe or admiration, often used for landscapes, natural phenomena, or impressive structures.

  • The majestic mountains took their breath away.
  • The lion stood majestically on the hill.
imperial

Applied to things related to an empire or emperor, often denoting a grand or authoritative quality. It can be used in historical contexts or when describing grand-scale architecture and arrangements.

  • The imperial palace was an architectural marvel.
  • He had an imperial manner that commanded respect.
kingly

Describes qualities befitting a king, often focusing on nobility, valor, and leadership. It's often used in literature or formal contexts.

  • His kingly attitude inspired his followers.
  • She presented herself with a kingly dignity that was hard to ignore.

Examples of usage

  • She looked regal in her elegant gown.
  • The grand ballroom had a regal atmosphere.
  • The king's regal robes sparkled in the sunlight.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

having an air of royalty; noble or dignified.

Synonyms

dignified, elegant, grand, stately.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regal

Appropriate for situations involving royalty or something that appears as if it belongs to a king or queen.

  • She wore a regal gown to the gala, commanding attention from everyone
  • The palace had a regal air, with its grand chandeliers and luxurious furnishings
stately

Suitable for situations involving formality and imposing dignity, often used for buildings and ceremonies.

  • They entered the stately mansion that had been in the family for generations
  • The ceremony was conducted in a stately manner, reflecting its importance
dignified

Used to describe someone or something that has a calm, serious, and respectful manner.

  • The dignified professor addressed the audience with confidence
  • Even in difficult situations, he remained calm and dignified
grand

Used for something impressive in size, appearance or manner, often indicates largeness and splendor.

  • The grand hotel lobby left the guests awestruck
  • They threw a grand party to celebrate the company's anniversary
elegant

Best suited for situations where something or someone is stylish, graceful, and sophisticated.

  • She looked elegant in her evening dress at the formal dinner
  • The elegant design of the smartphone attracted many buyers

Examples of usage

  • He greeted the guests with a regal nod.
  • Her regal manners impressed everyone at the event.

Translations

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

Quick facts about “regal”

Regal is a 2-syllable adjective (re-gal). It is pronounced /ˈɹiɡəɫ/ in American English and /ɹˈiːɡəl/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 8 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #16,537 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“regal” in history

  • In many cultures, items associated with royalty, like thrones or crowns, are described as regal.
  • Famous regal figures include kings and queens from various dynasties, illustrating the grandeur of this term.
  • The term has been used throughout history to describe not just people, but also places and artifacts that possess grandeur.

“regal” in pop culture

  • Regal themes are often depicted in movies, especially fairy tales featuring princesses and castles.
  • The royal family in the UK is frequently portrayed as regal in the media, emphasizing their elegance and poise.
  • In music and art, regal elements are often combined with themes of power and beauty, creating a sense of awe.

“regal” in literature

  • Many classic books describe regal characters, often using their appearance and mannerisms to convey nobility.
  • Shakespeare's plays frequently include regal figures that embody the themes of power and responsibility.
  • Descriptive language in fantasy novels often uses 'regal' to set the tone for royal settings and characters.

“regal” in psychology

  • The perception of regal behavior or appearance can evoke feelings of admiration or respect in others.
  • Studies suggest people often associate regal characteristics with leadership capabilities and authority.
  • The feeling of 'regality' can be instilled in individuals through clothing, posture, and mannerisms, influencing how they are perceived.

Origin of 'regal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'regalis', meaning 'of a king'.
  • In Middle English, it became 'regal', retaining the meaning of royalty.
  • Similar words include 'regime' and 'regent', which also refer to rulers or leadership.

The word 'regal' comes from the Latin word 'regalis', which means 'of a king' or 'royal'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe something fit for a monarch or having a majestic quality. Over the years, 'regal' has retained its association with royalty and nobility, symbolizing elegance, dignity, and grandeur.


Rhymes

Regal rhymes with seagull, legal, illegal, eagle, paralegal, beagle, extralegal and beegle.

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Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,537, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.