Reign

Definition

Reign refers to the period during which a monarch rules or the period during which someone or something is dominant or powerful.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /reɪn/
• Respelling: RAYN (with "RAYN" rhyming with "rain")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /reɪn/
• Respelling: RAYN (similar to American English, with "RAYN" rhyming with "rain")

In both dialects, "reign" is pronounced with a single syllable, featuring the long "ay" sound, making it rhyme with words like "rain" and "main." The pronunciation is straightforward and consistent across both American and British English.

Etymology

"Reign" is derived from the Old French word "reigne", which comes from the Latin word "regnum", meaning 'kingdom' or 'rule'. The Latin "regnum" is related to the verb "regere", which means 'to rule'.

Derivatives

• Reigning
• Pre-reign
• Co-reign
• Interregnum (period without a reigning monarch)
• Sovereign (related in the context of rule)

Synonyms

• Rule
• Dominion
• Tenure

Antonyms

• Submission
• Subjugation
• Obedience

Usage

"Reign" is often used in historical, political, and cultural contexts to describe the period during which a specific monarch or ruler held power or the dominance of a particular trend or entity.

Related Terms

• Monarchy
• Dynasty
• Throne
• Sovereignty
• Ascendancy

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The period of time during which a monarch is ruler.
• Example: Queen Elizabeth II's reign has been one of the longest in British history.

• A period during which a person, group, or thing is dominant or has control.
• Example: During the 1990s, the team's reign in the sport was unmatched.

Verb

• To hold royal office; rule as monarch.
• Example: King Henry VIII reigned over England during a tumultuous period.

• To be prevalent or dominant.
• Example: Chaos reigned in the streets after the announcement.