sovereign

CEFRC1

/ˈsɒv.ɹɪn/

adjective · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Having complete power or authority over a country.

  2. 02

    noun

    A supreme ruler, especially a king or queen.

Examples

  • As long as there are sovereign nations possessing great power, war is inevitable.

  • The English sovereign is generally said to reign but not rule.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5
Synonyms
2

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Exceptional in quality.

  2. Extremely potent or effective (of a medicine, remedy etc.).

  3. Exercising power of rule.

More examples

In context

  • Gentlemen, may I introduce Her Royal Highness, the Sovereign and Most Imperial Majesty, Empress Elizabeth of Vicron.

  • Her voice was her sovereign talent.

  • sovereign nation

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

A blank state has full control over its own government and laws.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

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.