diadem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “diadem” mean?
A jewelled crown or headband worn as a symbol of royalty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A jewelled crown or headband worn as a symbol of royalty.
Anything that resembles such a crown; figurative: supreme power or an adornment that confers distinction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more prevalent in UK historical/literary contexts.
Connotations
Evokes antiquity, Byzantium, Rome, monarchy, and ceremonial regalia equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. It is a specialist/literary word.
Grammar
How to Use “diadem” in a Sentence
VERB + diadem (wear, place, adorn, seize, claim)ADJ + diadem (imperial, royal, jewelled, golden, elaborate)diadem + of + NOUN (of royalty, of stars, of pearls)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diadem” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new emperor was diademed in a solemn ceremony.
American English
- They sought to diadem their leader with symbols of the old republic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, archaeology, art history to describe specific artefacts.
Everyday
Extremely rare except in poetic or highly descriptive contexts.
Technical
In jewellery/historical artefact description.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diadem”
- Confusing with 'tiara' (a diadem is often broader, more crown-like; a tiara is semicircular).
- Using in casual contexts where 'crown' or 'headband' would be appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'dyadem'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a type of crown, often specifically a jewelled headband or a lighter, open crown, as opposed to a full, enclosed royal crown.
Yes, but it is exceptionally rare and highly literary, meaning 'to crown or adorn with a diadem'.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal, and primarily literary or historical term.
Traditionally, a diadem is a complete circle (a crown), while a tiara is a semicircle, open at the back. In modern usage, the terms are often used interchangeably for ornate jewelled headpieces.
A jewelled crown or headband worn as a symbol of royalty.
Diadem is usually formal, literary in register.
Diadem: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʌɪədɛm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.əˌdem/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the diadem of night (poetic: the stars)”
- “to seize the diadem (to take power by force)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DiaDEM: DEM sounds like 'gem' – think of a DIAmond and gem-studded crown.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/STATUS IS A CROWN (The diadem is the embodiment of sovereignty).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'diadem' MOST appropriately used?