princess
princess
Pronunciation
ˈprɪnsɛs/.
prin-
/p/: Voiceless bilabial plosive
/r/: Voiced alveolar approximant
/ɪ/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/n/: Voiced alveolar nasal
/s/: Voiceless alveolar fricative
-cess
/ɛ/: Open-mid front unrounded vowel
/s/: Voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: princess
Plural Noun: princesses
Additionally, "princess" can be used in other grammatical forms or with related adjectival forms:
Adjective: "princess" can be used as an adjective, often in compound terms or to describe something related to a princess, such as "princess dress" or "princess line" (referring to a style of clothing).
Adjective (derived): "princessy" is an informal adjective meaning "of, pertaining to, or suitable for a princess," often with a connotation of being pampered or spoiled.
Adjective (derived): "princesslike" is another adjectival form, meaning resembling a princess.
Possessive: princess's (singular possessive), princesses' (plural possessive)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A female member of a royal family, typically the daughter of a king or queen, or the wife of a prince.
Synonyms: royal, monarch (less specific, but broadly related), sovereign (less specific), aristocrat (broader).
Antonyms: commoner, plebeian, serf.
Definition: A woman or girl who is treated with extreme care, indulgence, or favoritism, often to the point of being spoiled, or who behaves as if she is superior and deserving of such treatment.
Synonyms: pampered darling, spoiled brat (derogatory), prima donna, diva.
Antonyms: independent, self-sufficient, rugged individualist.
Definition: (Figurative, often informal) A young woman or girl admired for her beauty, charm, or grace, often used affectionately.
Synonyms: belle, darling, sweetheart, enchantress.
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; depends on context. Could be "plain Jane" if focusing on beauty, but it's not a true antonym of the affectionate use.)
Adjective (used attributively)
Definition: Of or pertaining to a princess; characteristic of or suitable for a princess, often implying elegance, daintiness, or a luxurious quality.
Example Usage: "She wore a princess gown to the ball."
Synonyms: regal, royal, elegant, delicate, opulent.
Antonyms: common, rustic, plain, unrefined.
Examples of Use
Books:
"As a child, I devoured fairy tales, always imagining myself as the princess rescued by a valiant knight." (General public discourse, reflecting common literary themes)
"The Diaries of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank mentions her fondness for reading about princesses and royalty. (Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl, 1947)
Newspapers:
"Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was often referred to as a modern-day princess by some media outlets prior to her marriage to Prince Harry." (Various news articles)
"Local activists held a 'People's Princess' event to honor a beloved community leader." (used to denote affection)
Online Publications:
"Disney+ announced a new live-action series reimagining a classic princess story, generating significant buzz among fans." (Variety)
"The fashion blog highlighted a trend of 'cottagecore' dresses, perfect for feeling like a forest princess." (Fashion blog)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "The movie 'Frozen' introduced two new Disney princesses, Elsa and Anna, who redefined the traditional animated heroine." (Disney's Frozen, 2013)
Music: "Britney Spears' song 'Gimme More' features the iconic line, 'It's Britney, bitch!' but she was often dubbed the 'Pop Princess' early in her career." (Various music publications, late 1990s-early 2000s)
Television: "Netflix's 'The Crown' frequently depicts the lives of British royals, including the young Princess Elizabeth before she became queen, and later, Princess Diana." (Netflix's The Crown, November 2016 onwards)
Video Games: "Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda series centers on the hero Link's quest to rescue Princess Zelda from the villain Ganon." (Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda, 1986 onwards)
General Public Discourse:
"My daughter wants a princess-themed birthday party with a tiara and a big poofy dress."
"He treats his car like it's a fragile princess, always polishing it and never letting anyone eat in it." (Figurative use, implying something treated with excessive car)
10 Quotes Using Princess
"Whatever comes," she said, "cannot alter one thing. If I am a princess in rags and tatters, I can be a princess inside." (Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Little Princess)
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." (Vizzini, The Princess Bride) – While Vizzini doesn't say "princess," this iconic line is from a film titled "The Princess Bride" and is strongly associated with it.
"Being a princess isn't all it's cracked up to be. Behaving like a princess is work. It's not just about looking beautiful or wearing a crown. It's more about how you are inside." (Julie Andrews)
"Every girl pretends she is a princess at one point, no matter how little her life is like that." (Alex Flinn, Beastly)
"A man who treats his woman like a princess is proof that he has been raised by a queen." (Wiz Khalifa)
"Perhaps all the dragons of our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us once beautiful and brave." (Rainer Maria Rilke)
"I am not a prize to be won!" (Princess Jasmine, Aladdin)
"Just because you don't have a prince, doesn't mean you're not a princess." (Zayn Malik)
"Deep in every heart slumbers a dream, and the couturier knows it: every woman is a princess." (Christian Dior)
"Family is the most important thing in the world." (Princess Diana) – While "princess" isn't in the quote, this is a famous quote from Princess Diana, making it relevant to the theme.
Etymology
The word "princess" has a journey that goes back to Latin!
It comes from the Old French word "princesse," which is the feminine form of "prince." Now, where did "prince" come from? That traces back to the Latin word "princeps."
"Princeps" literally meant "first person" or "chief leader." It was used to describe someone who was foremost or most important. So, initially, a "prince" was a ruler or a chief, not necessarily a king's son.
The word "princess" first appeared in English around the late 14th century, in the Middle English period. Its earliest meaning was a "woman of royal or noble birth; daughter or wife of a ruler or prince; or a female ruler." So, right from the beginning, it was linked to royalty and high status, specifically for women connected to a "prince" or who held a similar powerful position. Over time, its meaning solidified to primarily refer to the daughter of a monarch or the wife of a prince, as we commonly understand it today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Princess
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "princess" or its related concepts:
Princess charming: A playful twist on "Prince Charming," referring to an ideal, perhaps idealized, woman.
A spoiled princess: Refers to a woman or girl who is excessively indulged and behaves as if entitled.
Daddy's little princess: A common affectionate term used by a father for his daughter, often implying she is cherished and somewhat spoiled.
To live like a princess: To live a life of luxury, comfort, and without financial worries.
Pop princess: An informal title given to a successful female pop singer, implying youthful popularity and a certain reign over the music scene.
Drama princess: A person, usually a woman, who is prone to exaggerated emotional reactions and seeks attention through dramatic behavior.
Ice princess: Refers to a woman who is perceived as emotionally cold, aloof, or unapproachable.
Every girl's a princess: A sentiment expressing that all girls deserve to be treated with respect and special care.
The people's princess: A title popularized for Diana, Princess of Wales, signifying her popularity and connection with the general public.
As pretty as a princess: A simile used to describe someone, usually a girl or woman, who is exceptionally beautiful.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of princess from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
