marquis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, historical, aristocratic
Quick answer
What does “marquis” mean?
A nobleman of a high hereditary rank, below a duke and above an earl/count.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nobleman of a high hereditary rank, below a duke and above an earl/count.
A title for a nobleman; can also refer to a man who holds this title. In some contexts, it can refer to a senior or important person in a particular field, often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'marquess' is the standard British form for the title in the UK peerage, while 'marquis' is used for foreign titles and historically. American English prefers the French-derived spelling 'marquis' and uses it more broadly. The pronunciation varies significantly.
Connotations
In British context, it is strongly associated with the hereditary peerage and history. In American context, it often carries a more general, slightly romanticised or historical connotation of European nobility.
Frequency
More frequent in British English due to the existence of the peerage system, but overall a low-frequency word in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “marquis” in a Sentence
Marquis of [Place Name]the [Nationality] marquis[First Name], Marquis of [Place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or political science texts discussing aristocracy.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in period dramas, novels, or news about aristocracy.
Technical
Used in heraldry and studies of peerage systems.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marquis”
- Misspelling as 'marquise' (which is the feminine form or a type of gem cut).
- Using incorrect prepositions: 'Marquis for York' instead of 'Marquis of York'.
- Mispronouncing the American version as /ˈmɑːr.kwɪs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Marquess' is the official spelling for a holder of this rank in the British peerage. 'Marquis' is used for foreign titles (e.g., French) and is the preferred spelling in American English.
No, in the order of precedence, a duke ranks above a marquis/marquess.
A marchioness.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term found primarily in historical, literary, or formal contexts related to aristocracy.
A nobleman of a high hereditary rank, below a duke and above an earl/count.
Marquis is usually formal, historical, aristocratic in register.
Marquis: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.kwɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːrˈkiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) proud as a marquis (rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A MARQUIS has a MARquee at his palace, a sign of his STATUS.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL HIERARCHY IS A LADDER (the marquis is a high rung).
Practice
Quiz
In the British peerage, which spelling is standard for the native title?