Word
principality
Phoneticsprin·ci·pal·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɹɪnsɪˈpæɫɪti/
UK/pɹˌɪnsɪpˈælɪti/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small country or area that is ruled by a prince or princess. It is a type of monarchy where the leader is a member of a royal family.
n. a sovereign state or territory governed by a prince or princess. Often used in historical contexts to describe small European states or regions under the rule of a monarch.
Examples
“The small principality is famous for its beautiful mountains.”
“During the nineteenth century, the principality maintained its independence despite being surrounded by larger empires.”
“The treaty established the principality as a buffer state, granting the local ruler significant autonomy in exchange for a formal alliance with the central government.”
Examples
simple
“The small principality is famous for its beautiful mountains.”
contextual
“During the nineteenth century, the principality maintained its independence despite being surrounded by larger empires.”
complex
“The treaty established the principality as a buffer state, granting the local ruler significant autonomy in exchange for a formal alliance with the central government.”
Real-World Examples
“The move puts the principality in the majority among nearby nations with royal families.” “On a late spring morning in mid-May, Prince Michael of Sealand, leader of a micronation called the Principality of Sealand, messaged me with five clear-cut words: “You can speak to me”.” Etymology
From Middle English principalte, principalite, from Anglo-Norman principalté, Middle French principalté, from Late Latin prīncipālitās, from Latin prīncipālis (“principal”) + -tās. Equivalent to principal + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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