apanage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “apanage” mean?
A grant (originally of land or revenue) made by a sovereign to a younger member of the royal family for their maintenance and to prevent claims on the crown.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A grant (originally of land or revenue) made by a sovereign to a younger member of the royal family for their maintenance and to prevent claims on the crown.
1. Any customary or traditional perquisite, privilege, or natural accompaniment. 2. A natural or necessary endowment or attribute of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'appanage' is a common variant in both, but 'apanage' is the original French-derived spelling. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In British usage, it has a stronger historical/royalist connotation. In American usage, the figurative sense might be slightly more accessible due to the lack of a native royal context.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely encountered in historical texts, literary analysis, or high-register political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “apanage” in a Sentence
[The apanage] of [a role/position/status][Something] is the apanage of [a group/class]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and literary studies to discuss feudal systems, royal privileges, or metaphorical endowments.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would likely be replaced by 'perk' or 'privilege'.
Technical
Possible in historical or legal writing concerning land grants and sovereignty.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apanage”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apanage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apanage”
- Confusing it with 'appanage' (a variant, not a mistake). Misspelling as 'appanage', 'apannage'. Using it for modern, non-traditional benefits (e.g., 'a company car is an apanage' is a stylistic stretch).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 'Apanage' is the original spelling from French. 'Appanage' is a common English variant. They are the same word.
Rarely. It typically denotes a positive or neutral privilege or attribute granted by custom or status, not an undeserved burden.
No. It is a very low-frequency, formal word. Learners should prioritise synonyms like 'perk', 'privilege', or 'prerogative' for active use.
A 'prerogative' is an exclusive right or power held by virtue of office. An 'apanage' is something granted (historically concretely, now often figuratively) as a customary accompaniment to a status or position. A prerogative is about the right to act; an apanage is about the thing or privilege received.
A grant (originally of land or revenue) made by a sovereign to a younger member of the royal family for their maintenance and to prevent claims on the crown.
Apanage is usually formal, literary, historical in register.
Apanage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæpənɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæpənɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To be/become] the apanage of [someone/something]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a prince's PANTRY (sounds like 'apan-') stocked by the KING (the royal grant). 'A pan for the age' of princes.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/STATUS IS A GRANTED POSSESSION. INHERENT QUALITY IS AN APPENDAGE.
Practice
Quiz
In its most common modern, figurative sense, 'apanage' is best replaced by: