monarchy etymology

Etymology:

  • From Late Latin monarchia, from Ancient Greek μοναρχία (monarchia), a feminine noun derived from the masculine noun μονάρχης (monarchēs), meaning "monarch", "ruler of a single territory".
  • This Greek noun is derived from the Ancient Greek terms μόνος (monos), meaning "alone", and ἀρχή (archē), meaning "beginning", "rule", "authority".

Meaning and Origin:

Monarchy refers to a system of government in which a single person, usually called a king or queen, holds supreme power. The term has its roots in the ancient Greek city-states, where there were various forms of monarchical rule, including:

  • Kingship: A hereditary monarchy in which the king or queen inherits their position from their parents.
  • Tyranny: A monarchy in which a single person seizes power illegally, often through force or intimidation.
  • Oligarchy: A monarchy in which a small group of wealthy or powerful individuals holds power, with the king or queen serving primarily as a figurehead.

Over time, the concept of monarchy evolved, with different forms of constitutional monarchies emerging in many countries. In these systems, the monarch's power is limited by a constitution or other legal framework, and they generally share power with a representative body such as a parliament.

Today, the term "monarchy" is typically used to refer to a form of government in which a single person holds the position of head of state and exercises significant political authority, even if their power is constrained by constitutional or other institutional arrangements.

monarchy relate terms

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  • monarchy

    Etymology From Late Latin monarchia from Ancient Greek μοναρχία monarchia a

  • democracy

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  • monarch

    Etymology The word monarch derives from the Greek word monárkhēs which is itself d

  • republican

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  • Macedonian

    Etymology The term Macedonia is derived from the ancient Greek word Μακεδονία

  • limited

    Etymology From Middle English limiten from Latin līmitāre to bound fix a limit f

  • Prussia

    Etymology The name Prussia is derived from the Old Prussian word Prūsa which means

  • restoration

    Etymology The word restoration is derived from the Latin word restaurare which mea

  • absolute

    Etymology Absolute comes from the Latin word absolutus which means freed from loose

  • empire

    Etymology Late Latin imperium dominion Latin imperare to command Proto Indo E

  • autocracy

    Etymology and Origin The word autocracy comes from the Greek words auto self and

  • kingdom

    Etymology Kingdom originates from the Old English word cynedōm which is composed o