Langimage
English

king

|king|

A2

/kɪŋ/

male ruler

Etymology
Etymology Information

'king' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cyning,' where 'cyn' meant 'family' or 'race' and '-ing' was a suffix denoting 'belonging to.'

Historical Evolution

'cyning' transformed into the Middle English word 'king,' and eventually became the modern English word 'king.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'leader of a people or tribe,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'male ruler of a state.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a male ruler of an independent state, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth.

The king ruled the country with wisdom and fairness.

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Antonyms

Noun 2

a person or thing regarded as the best or most important in a particular sphere or group.

He is considered the king of rock and roll.

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Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35