King

Definition

King is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a male monarch who rules a kingdom, a person or thing considered to be the best or most important in a particular field, or the most powerful chess piece. As a verb, it means to act as a king or to crown someone as a king.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kɪŋ/
• Respelling: king

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kɪŋ/
• Respelling: king

Etymology

The word "king" originates from Old English "cyning," which derives from Proto-Germanic "*kuningaz," meaning "leader" or "ruler." It is related to the Old Norse "konungr" and the German "König." The term has been used historically to denote a sovereign leader of a nation or territory.

Derivatives

• Kingdom (noun)
• Kingly (adjective)
• Kingship (noun)
• Kingmaker (noun)
• Reking (verb, rare)

Synonyms

• Monarch
• Sovereign
• Ruler

Antonyms

• Commoner
• Peasant
• None

Usage

The term "king" is widely used in historical, cultural, and metaphorical contexts. For example, "The king ruled with fairness," or "He is the king of pop music."

Related Terms

• Queen: The female counterpart of a king.
• Throne: A symbol of the king's authority.
• Empire: A large territory ruled by a sovereign leader.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A male monarch who rules a kingdom: Refers to a sovereign ruler.
  • Example: "The king addressed his subjects during the ceremony."
• A person or thing considered the best in a particular field: Describes a dominant or superior entity.
  • Example: "He is known as the king of rock and roll."
• The most powerful chess piece: Refers to the piece that must be protected to avoid checkmate.
  • Example: "The player moved the king into a defensive position."

Verb

• To act as a king: Refers to performing the duties of a monarch.
  • Example: "He kinged over the court with grace."
• To crown someone as a king: Indicates the act of bestowing kingship.
  • Example: "The nobles kinged him after the victory."