Empress

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɛm.prɪs/

Definitions

• The female ruler of an empire.
• The wife or widow of an emperor.

Usage Examples

• Queen Victoria was also the Empress of India.
• The empress ruled with wisdom and fairness.

Etymology

From Middle English emperesse, from Old French empereresse, from Latin imperatrix, meaning "female ruler."

Synonyms

• Queen
• Monarch
• Ruler
• Sovereign

Antonyms

• Emperor
• Commoner
• Subject

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈɛm.prɪs/
• American English: /ˈɛm.prəs/

Historical Usage

The title of empress has been used historically for female rulers and consorts, particularly in the Roman, Byzantine, Chinese, and Japanese empires.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the term "empress" signifies not just political power but also divine or symbolic authority.

More Information

Notable empresses include Catherine the Great of Russia, Empress Dowager Cixi of China, and Empress Matilda of England. The title is often used in literature and media to symbolize ultimate power and grandeur.