French word

monarque

Pronunciation

IPA/monaʁk/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmonarch

Example

Le monarque a parlé au peuple.

The monarch spoke to the people.

Illustration for monarque (monarch)

More examples

Le monarque a abdiqué hier.

The monarch abdicated yesterday.

Core concept

A single figure at the summit of a state, holding final authority over its rule.

Common phrases

  • le monarque absolu

    absolute monarch

  • un monarque constitutionnel

    constitutional monarch

  • un monarque héréditaire

    hereditary monarch

Similar words

roi: A man who rules a kingdom by hereditary right.
reine: A woman who rules a kingdom by hereditary right.
chef d'État: The official head of a state who represents it politically.
souverain: The supreme ruler of a state.

Definition in French

Personne qui détient l'autorité suprême d'un État, comme un roi ou une reine.

Word origin

Monarque comes from Greek monarkhēs, from monos meaning 'alone' and arkhein meaning 'to rule', through Latin monarcha.

Usage tips

  • Monarque is a formal, broad term, while roi or reine is usually more specific when naming a monarch.

Other meanings

  • sovereignnoun
  • rulernoun
  • kingnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word