Queen

Definition

The term "queen" describes a female monarch, the wife or widow of a king, or a powerful female figure in a specific domain.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kwiːn/
• Respelling: KWEEN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kwiːn/
• Respelling: KWEEN

Etymology

The word "queen" originates from the Old English "cwen," meaning "woman" or "wife," derived from Proto-Germanic "kweniz" (woman). It shares roots with Old Norse "kván" (wife) and Gothic "qens" (woman), evolving to signify a female sovereign or consort.

Derivatives

• Queenship (noun)
• Queendom (noun)
• Queenly (adjective)
• Queenlike (adjective)
• Queenside (noun, chess)

Synonyms

• Monarch
• Sovereign
• Ruler

Antonyms

• King
• Commoner
• Peasant

Usage

The term "queen" is widely used in contexts such as monarchy, leadership, and figurative expressions. For example, "The queen addressed her subjects" or "She is the queen of the fashion industry."

Related Terms

• King: A male ruler or monarch.
• Crown: A symbol of royalty or power.
• Regent: A person appointed to govern in place of a monarch.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A female monarch: Refers to a woman who rules a kingdom as its sovereign.
  • Example: "The queen has reigned for over 50 years."
• The wife or widow of a king: Refers to the consort of a reigning king.
  • Example: "The queen stood by the king during his rule."
• A powerful female figure: Refers to a woman of great influence or dominance in a particular field.
  • Example: "She is regarded as the queen of pop music."
• A chess piece: Refers to the most powerful piece in the game of chess, able to move in any direction.
  • Example: "The player sacrificed a queen to checkmate the opponent."