Vocabulary in context
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Sovereign
A sovereign is a supreme ruler (noun) or, as an adjective, something possessing ultimate power or independence, such as a sovereign state.
noun and adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
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Imagine This
Imagine a grand throne atop a hill overlooking a vast map. A single figure sits on the throne, radiating authority, while banners in the wind read 'Independence' across a borderless realm—this is a sovereign realm.
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Sounds Like
SOV-ərn
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Looks Like
The word visually contains the letters that spell REIGN (r-e-i-g-n), linking to the concept of ruling.
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Remember This
A sovereign is the ultimate source of authority within their domain; the term also describes an independent nation that governs itself.
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Other Forms
sovereigntynoun
sovereignlyadverb
soverainadjective
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Note
Use sovereign to describe both a person who rules (noun) and something that has complete independence or authority (adjective). Distinguish from 'sovereignty' (the quality or state of supreme power or independence).
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The sovereign issued a royal decree after consulting the council.
- A sovereign state has the right to govern itself without external interference.
Synonyms
monarchrulerpotentatemajestysovereign (as a noun)
Antonyms
subjectsubordinatedependent
Etymology
From Old French soverain, from Latin superanus meaning 'above, upper' (from super- 'above').
Mnemonic
Sovereign literally contains the word 'reign' (r-e-i-g-n) in order. The sovereign is the one who 'reigns' over others.
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Conditional
adjectiveSubject to one or more conditions; dependent on something else being true or fulfilled.
Contend
verbTo strive or compete in a contest or conflict; to assert or argue a point.
Insist
verbTo demand something forcefully or to assert something firmly, often with little tolerance for disagreement.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Potentate
nounA ruler, especially an autocratic or absolute monarch; someone with supreme power.
Autonomy
nounThe state of being self-governing or independent; the capacity to act with self-direction and make one’s own decisions.
Partisan
noun and adjectiveA strong, biased supporter of a party or cause; as an adjective, describing biased, one-sided allegiance to a party or faction.
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