ENGLISH
REFERENCE

archduke

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɑɹtʃˌduk// UK //ˌɑːtʃdjˈuːk// arch·duke Archaic

n. a title for a member of a royal family in some European countries, especially Austria. It is a very high rank, just below the emperor or king.

n. a title of nobility used in the Habsburg monarchy and other European dynasties, typically ranking above a prince and below an emperor. Historically associated with the Austrian Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.


SIMPLE

The archduke traveled through the city to meet the king.

CONTEXTUAL

In the late nineteenth century, the archduke held significant political power within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

COMPLEX

The assassination of the archduke in Sarajevo served as the immediate catalyst for the outbreak of World War I, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape of Europe.

Origin

From Middle French archeduc (modern French archiduc), from Latin archidux. Equivalent to arch- + duke.

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