prince
prince
Pronunciation
/prɪns/.
/p/: as in "pen"
/r/: as in "run"
/ɪ/: as in "ship" or "kit" (a short "i" sound)
/n/: as in "name"
/s/: as in "say"
Word Form Variations
Singular: prince
Plural: princes
Feminine equivalent (singular): princess
Feminine equivalent (plural): princesses
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A male member of a royal family, especially the son or grandson of a reigning monarch.
Definition: This refers to a person by birthright or marriage who holds a specific, often high, rank within a monarchy, typically in the line of succession but not necessarily the reigning ruler themselves.
Synonyms: royal, heir (if in line to the throne), nobleman, dignitary
Antonyms: commoner, peasant, plebeian
The male sovereign ruler of a principality or a small state.
Definition: In historical or specific geopolitical contexts, a prince can be the supreme ruler of a territory, often one smaller than a kingdom, where the title "prince" signifies their head-of-state status.
Synonyms: monarch, ruler, sovereign, potentate, liege
Antonyms: subject, vassal, citizen
A person who is preeminent or outstanding in a particular field, profession, or group.
Definition: This figurative use refers to an individual who excels greatly or holds a leading position due to their skill, influence, or exceptional qualities in a non-royal context.
Synonyms: master, maestro, virtuoso, luminary, leader, titan, magnate, doyen
Antonyms: novice, beginner, amateur, subordinate, follower, mediocrity
An exceptionally noble, generous, or admirable man, especially in character or conduct.
Definition: Used informally, this describes a man who displays qualities of integrity, kindness, and generosity, often implying a refined or chivalrous nature.
Synonyms: gentleman, paragon, noble soul, benevolent, magnanimous individual
Antonyms: scoundrel, cad, rogue, villain, boor
Verb
(Rare, archaic) To play the prince; to act with princely bearing or assume a grand, stately manner.
Definition: This seldom-used verb describes the act of behaving in a way that suggests royalty or excessive dignity, often with a hint of pretentiousness.
Synonyms: lord it, grandstand, swagger, pontificate
Antonyms: humble oneself, defer, kowtow, cower
Adjective (via "Princely")
The adjective form of "prince" is "princely."
Of or relating to a prince; royal or noble in nature.
Definition: Pertaining to the characteristics, status, or lineage of a prince or royalty.
Synonyms: regal, royal, aristocratic, noble, sovereign
Antonyms: common, plebeian, humble, ignoble
Befitting a prince; magnificent, grand, or generous in scale.
Definition: Describes something that is exceptionally splendid, lavish, or impressive, worthy of a high-ranking person. Often used to refer to sums of money or gifts, implying a large or generous amount.
Synonyms: lavish, magnificent, splendid, opulent, generous, bountiful, stately, grandiose
Antonyms: meager, paltry, humble, modest, stingy, trifling
Adverb (via "Princely")
The adverb form of "prince" is "princely" (though often used as an adjective, it can function adverbially in specific constructions like "lived princely").
In a manner befitting a prince; magnificently or generously.
Definition: To act or do something with great splendor, lavishness, or an air of nobility.
Synonyms: regally, royally, grandly, opulently, generously, lavishly
Antonyms: humbly, modestly, sparingly, meagerly
Examples of Use
Books:
"Machiavelli's enduring work, The Prince, continues to be studied for its stark insights into political power and leadership."
"The classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty features a valiant prince who awakens the princess with a kiss."
Newspapers:
"Prince William attended the charity gala last night, speaking on the importance of mental health awareness." (The Guardian)
"Developers are hoping to turn the old downtown theater into a new cultural hub, a veritable 'prince' of revitalization for the city center." (Local Gazette)
Online Publications:
"Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced a new project through their Archewell Foundation." (People.com)
"Is Bitcoin the 'prince' of cryptocurrencies, or will another digital asset eventually take its crown?" (CoinDesk.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "The film Coming to America tells the story of an African prince who travels to the United States in search of love."
Music: The artist known as "Prince" was a groundbreaking musician, famous for hits like "Purple Rain" and his iconic style.
Television: "In the latest season of The Crown, viewers witnessed the early years of Prince Charles's public life."
Video Games: "Players often take on the role of a heroic prince in fantasy role-playing games, tasked with saving a kingdom or rescuing a captive princess."
General Public Discourse:
"He's a true prince among men, always there to help out his friends."
"The new CEO is seen as the 'prince' of Silicon Valley, leading the way in technological innovation."
10 Quotes Using Prince
"Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!" (William Shakespeare, Hamlet)
"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both." (Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince)
"A prince who is not wise himself will never take good advice." (Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince)
"Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are." (Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince)
"And hear the sentence of your moved prince." (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet)
"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him." (Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince)
"A prince, therefore, ought always to take counsel, but only when he wishes and not when others wish." (Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince)
"War should be the only study of a prince." (Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince)
"The best fortress which a prince can possess is the affection of his people." (Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince)
"The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves." (Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince)
Etymology
The word "prince" comes from the Latin word "princeps," which literally means "first" or "chief."
Imagine the head person in a group, the one who takes the lead or is at the front – that's the idea behind "princeps."
The earliest known use of "princeps" in Roman times wasn't necessarily a formal title like "king." It was more of a description for someone who was the leading citizen or the most influential person in the state. For example, the Roman Emperor Augustus used the title "princeps senatus," meaning "first man of the Senate," to describe his leading position without directly calling himself a king, a title Romans were wary of after their republic.
Over time, as Latin evolved into Old French, "princeps" became "prince." When this word was borrowed into English around the 12th or 13th century, it kept a similar meaning: a high-ranking nobleman, often a son of a king, or a ruler of a smaller territory. So, from being the "first" among citizens, the word settled into meaning a royal or noble leader.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Prince
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "prince," or similar concepts where "prince" isn't commonly used:
The Prince of Darkness: A well-known epithet for Satan or the Devil.
Prince Charming: The ideal male romantic partner, especially in fairy tales, who rescues and marries the heroine.
To live like a prince: To live a life of luxury, comfort, and ease, often with great wealth.
Every dog has his day, and every prince his year: A less common saying suggesting that everyone eventually gets their turn or moment of success/prominence.
The prince of tides: (From a famous novel and film) used figuratively to describe someone who has a profound connection to or mastery over something vast and influential (in this case, emotions or a landscape).
A true prince among men: A compliment indicating a man of exceptional character, generosity, and nobility.
To be royally treated: (Using a synonym "royally" for similar effect) To receive exceptionally good or luxurious treatment.
King for a day: (Using a synonym "king" for similar effect) A brief period of power, influence, or exceptional success.
Born to the purple: (An idiom referring to royalty/nobility, often associated with a prince's birth) Born into a life of privilege or a royal family.
Fit for a king/prince: Of the highest quality, suitable for someone of royal status.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of prince from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
