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Tzar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tzar

[tsɑːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

historical ruler

A tzar, also spelled czar, was an emperor of Russia prior to the 1917 revolution. The term is derived from the Latin 'Caesar' and was used to designate the monarch who had absolute power over the Russian Empire.

Synonyms

emperor, monarch, sovereign.

Examples of usage

  • The tzar ruled with an iron fist.
  • In Russian history, the tzar was often seen as a benevolent ruler.
  • The fall of the tzar marked the end of imperial Russia.

Translations

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

Origin of 'tzar'

The term 'tzar' originates from the Roman title 'Caesar', which was adopted in the Slavic languages to refer to a ruler or emperor. The first to be officially recognized as a tzar was Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, who was crowned in 1547. This marked the beginning of the Russian monarchy as an empire rather than a mere principality. The use of the title 'tzar' underscored the ruler's authority and the divine right to govern. Over centuries, the tzar became synonymous with autocracy in Russia, leading to a centralized government where power was concentrated in the hands of a single person. This continued until the abdication of Nicholas II during the Russian Revolution in 1917, which resulted in the collapse of the centuries-old monarchy, ending the era of the tzar and transitioning the country towards a Bolshevik-led government.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,001, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.