royal

¹roy·al

adj \ˈrȯi(-ə)l\

Definition of ROYAL

1

a : of kingly ancestry <the royal family> b : of, relating to, or subject to the crown <the royal estates> c : being in the crown's service <Royal Air Force>

2

a : suitable for royalty : magnificent b : requiring no exertion : easy <there is no royal road to logic — Justus Buchler>

3

a : of superior size, magnitude, or quality <a patronage of royal dimensions — J. H. Plumb> —often used as an intensive <a royal pain> b : established or chartered by the crown

4

: of, relating to, or being a part (as a mast, sail, or yard) next above the topgallant

— roy·al·ly \ˈrȯi-ə-lē\ adverb

Examples of ROYAL

1. They received a royal welcome as they stepped off the plane.
2. <the school superintendent received a royal welcome>

Origin of ROYAL

Middle English roial, from Anglo-French real, roial, from Latin regalis, from reg-, rex king; akin to Old Irish rī (genitive rīg) king, Sanskrit rājan, Latin regere to rule — more at right

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ROYAL

Synonyms: kingly, monarchal (or monarchial), princely, queenly, regal, monarchical

Antonyms: humble, unheroic, unimposing, unimpressive

Related Words: aristocratic, baronial, imperial, lordly, noble, patrician; grandiose, heroic (also heroical), imposing, magnificent, majestic, monumental, splendid, stately

Near Antonyms: lowly, modest, unprepossessing; average, common, mediocre, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, second-rate; abject, mean, meretricious, shabby, sordid; insignificant, measly, paltry, petty, puny, trifling, trivial

see all synonyms and antonyms

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