sovereign
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a king, queen, or other person who has the highest power in a country.
n.a supreme ruler, especially a monarch. The term is often used in formal or legal contexts to refer to the head of state.
Simple“The sovereign was greeted by thousands of people during the parade.”
In context“The constitutional sovereign remains the formal head of state, though executive power is exercised by the elected parliament.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a British gold coin that was worth one pound in the past.
n.a British gold coin with a nominal value of one pound sterling, now primarily used as a bullion coin.
Simple“He found an old gold sovereign in his grandfather's collection.”
In context“Investors often purchase gold sovereigns as a hedge against inflation due to their high purity and historical value.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describes a country that is independent and has the power to govern itself.
adj.possessing supreme or ultimate power; in political science, referring to a state that is independent of outside control.
Simple“The small island became a sovereign nation after many years of colonial rule.”
In context“The treaty was designed to protect the sovereign rights of each member state while encouraging economic cooperation across the region.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
adj.having total power, or being the best example of something.
adj.supreme or paramount in character; can also refer to a remedy that is exceptionally effective.
Simple“The judge had sovereign authority over the courtroom.”
In context“The philosopher argued that the individual possesses sovereign control over their own mind and body.”
“The Duchy of Lancaster was established in 1265 to provide a private income for the sovereign and its profits soared during the late queen’s reign.”
“We are sovereign people and the only way things will improve is when the government recognise that and come and sit with us respectfully.”
From Middle English sovereyn, from Old French soverain (whence also modern French souverain), from Vulgar Latin *superānus (compare Italian sovrano, Spanish soberano) from Latin super (“above”). Spelling influenced by folk-etymology association with reign. Doublet of soprano, from the same Latin root via Italian. Doublet of souverain. See also suzerain, foreign.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.