crown
crown
Pronunciation
crown: /kraʊn/
Syllable 1: /kraʊn/
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximant
/aʊ/ - diphthong (as in "house")
/n/ - voiced alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: crown
Plural Noun: crowns
Present Tense Verb (third person singular): crowns
Present Participle Verb: crowning
Past Tense Verb: crowned
Past Participle Verb: crowned
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A symbolic headwear: A circular ornament, typically made of precious metals and jewels, worn on the head by a monarch or ruler as a symbol of sovereignty, authority, and status.
Synonyms: diadem, coronet, tiara, regalia
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific sense, as it refers to a unique object.)
The reigning monarch/monarchy: The person or institution holding supreme power in a monarchy; the sovereign authority of a kingdom or empire.
Synonyms: monarchy, royalty, sovereignty, throne
Antonyms: commoner, populace, republic
The top part of something: The uppermost part of an object, often curved or rounded, that forms its peak or summit.
Synonyms: apex, peak, summit, crest, top
Antonyms: base, bottom, foot, foundation
A dental restoration: An artificial cap or covering, typically made of porcelain or metal, fitted over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
Synonyms: cap, dental cap, tooth cap
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific sense.)
Verb
To place a crown upon: To formally put a crown on the head of a monarch or dignitary, especially as part of a coronation ceremony, thereby bestowing authority or honor.
Synonyms: enthrone, inaugurate, invest, ordain
Antonyms: dethrone, abdicate, depose
To complete or bring to a successful conclusion: To serve as the perfect culmination or finishing touch to something, often marking the achievement of a goal or effort.
Synonyms: cap, complete, finish, perfect, climax, culminate
Antonyms: begin, start, initiate, undermine, spoil
To top or cover: To form the highest part of something; to cover or adorn the top of an object.
Synonyms: top, cap, surmount, adorn, deck
Antonyms: expose, uncover, reveal
Examples of Use
Books:
"He had often dreamed of the day he would inherit the crown, but the realities of kingship were far more demanding than he had imagined." (From The Gilded Cage by Lexie Conyngham, published September 2021)
"The final chapter of the saga effectively crowned the hero's journey with a fitting, if bittersweet, resolution."
Newspapers:
"The King will wear the Imperial State Crown for the State Opening of Parliament next week." (The Guardian)
"Local dentist, Dr. Anya Sharma, recommends regular check-ups to prevent the need for extensive dental work, such as a full crown, down the line." (Daily Nation)
Online Publications:
"New research suggests that a healthy diet can improve the longevity of a dental crown." (WebMD)
"Fans are speculating whether the popular fantasy series will ultimately crown a new ruler or embrace a more egalitarian system." (IGN.com)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series: "The latest season of The Crown delves into the tumultuous relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher." (Netflix, released November 2023)
Music: "And it's a cold, hard, lonely feeling / When you're standing on the top of the crown." (Lyrics from "The Crown" by Gary Clark Jr., released September 2019)
Film: "In the climactic scene, the protagonist must choose between personal happiness and the burden of the crown." (The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, released August 2004)
General Public Discourse:
"They decided to crown their vacation with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti." (Heard in conversation)
"After years of dedication, her promotion really crowned her career achievements." (Comment made by a colleague)
"Be careful when you prune that tree; you don't want to damage the main crown." (Gardening advice)
10 Quotes Using Crown
"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." (William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2)
"The crown of life is found in love." (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina)
"Every man's house is his castle, and a man's heart is his crown." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Circles")
"Knowledge is the only crown we can never lose." (Anonymous, often attributed to various sources)
"A good conscience is a continual Christmas, but a bad one brings a perpetual crown of thorns." (Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack)
"Patience is the crown of the virtues." (Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy)
"No one can wear a crown if he is afraid of wearing one." (Queen Elizabeth II, often quoted)
"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (The King James Bible, Proverbs 29:18, often used in a metaphorical sense where "perish" implies loss of the "crown" of success or blessing)
"The only crown that a king can give is not a golden one, but a crown of thorns." (Mahatma Gandhi, often quoted in relation to sacrifice)
"The crown of glory is an old man's grey head, if it be found in the way of righteousness." (The King James Bible, Proverbs 16:31)
Etymology
The word "crown" has a long and interesting history, stemming from ancient times!
It started with a circle: The very earliest roots of "crown" come from a Greek word, korōnē, which meant "garland," "wreath," or "anything curved or hooked." Think of a circular shape, like a bird's "crow" (the part that looks like a beak or hook), which is actually related to this word too!
From Greek to Latin: This Greek word then made its way into Latin as corona. In Latin, corona kept the meaning of "garland" or "wreath," especially one worn on the head as a symbol of victory, honor, or festive occasions. You might recognize this in words like "coronation" today.
Into Old French and Old English: From Latin, corona traveled into Old French as corone. This Old French word was then adopted into Old English, probably around the time of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, becoming crune or coroune.
First known use and meaning: When it first appeared in English, the word crune (or "crown" as we know it today) primarily referred to a royal diadem or the ornamental headwear worn by a monarch. This original meaning, symbolizing sovereignty and royal power, is still one of its most prominent uses today. Over time, its meaning expanded to include other things that are at the top, like the top of a tree or a mountain, or even a dental cap.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Crown
Crown jewel(s): The most valuable or important part of something.
To crown it all: To complete something, especially in a way that adds a final, often surprising, touch.
The crown of one's efforts/life: The culmination or peak achievement of someone's hard work or existence.
A crowned head: A monarch or sovereign.
To wear the crown: To be a monarch; to hold royal power.
To crown with success: To bring something to a successful conclusion.
To be crowned king/queen: To be formally made a monarch.
Crown of thorns: A symbol of suffering or martyrdom, derived from the biblical account.
To snatch the crown: To usurp power or take a top position from someone else.
The crown of creation: Humanity, seen as the highest form of life.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of crown from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
