Monarchy Meaning
/ˈmɒnəki/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA government in which sovereignty is embodied within a single, today usually hereditary head of state (whether as a figurehead or as a powerful ruler).
nounThe territory ruled over by a monarch; a kingdom.
Sentence Examples
Many in England want to see the public subsidy of the monarchy done away with.
Aristotle was toadying up to the Macedonian monarchy.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The nation was governed by a single royal family, making it a ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The supporters of the ____ believe that having a king or queen provides the nation with a strong sense of tradition and stability.
Word Origin & History
From Old French monarchie, from Late Latin monarchia, from Ancient Greek μοναρχία (monarkhía), from μόνος (mónos, “only”) + ἀρχή (arkhḗ, “power, authority”). By surface analysis, mon- (“one, single”) + -archy (“rule, command”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"He that with ſhepheards and a litle ſpoyle,
Durſt in diſdaine of wrong and tyrannie,
Defend his freedome gainſt a Monarchie:
What will he doe ſupported by a king?"
— c. 1587–1588 (date written), [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire; London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act II, scene i:
"What scourge for perjury / Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?"
— c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iv]:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The nation was governed by a single royal family, making it a ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The supporters of the ____ believe that having a king or queen provides the nation with a strong sense of tradition and stability.