peer of the realm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, legal, historical, political
Quick answer
What does “peer of the realm” mean?
A member of the British nobility who has the right to sit in the House of Lords.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the British nobility who has the right to sit in the House of Lords.
A person belonging to the highest rank of the British aristocracy with a hereditary title (duke, marquess, earl, viscount, or baron) and the right to participate in the governance of the United Kingdom through the House of Lords. In a modern constitutional context, it refers specifically to those holding such titles who are entitled to a writ of summons to Parliament.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively British. In American English, it would only be used in discussions of British history, politics, or aristocracy. The US has no equivalent institution or title.
Connotations
British: Formal, legal, historical, associated with tradition and the constitution. American: Foreign, archaic, related to British history or monarchy.
Frequency
Very high frequency in relevant British legal/political/historical contexts; extremely low frequency in general American English, except in specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “peer of the realm” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a peer of the realm.The [title] was created a peer of the realm.As a peer of the realm, [Subject] has the right to...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peer of the realm” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was peered of the realm by royal decree in 1820.
- The monarch has the prerogative to create and peer individuals of the realm.
American English
- (Not used as a verb in American English.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standardly used as an adjective; attributive use: 'peer-of-the-realm status').
American English
- (Not used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts involving historic land ownership or trust law.
Academic
Common in historical, political science, and constitutional law texts discussing the UK's bicameral legislature and aristocracy.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation. Would only be used when specifically discussing British nobility or politics.
Technical
Standard in UK constitutional law, parliamentary procedure, and heraldry to denote a specific legal status and right.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “peer of the realm”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “peer of the realm”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peer of the realm”
- Using it to refer to any aristocrat (must have the right to sit in Lords).
- Confusing with 'life peer'. A life peer is a member of the House of Lords but is not a hereditary 'peer of the realm'.
- Using it in non-British contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not in the traditional, strict sense. 'Peer of the realm' specifically refers to hereditary peers (dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, barons) with a right to sit in the Lords. Life peers are members of the House of Lords but hold their title for life only; it is not hereditary.
Yes, since the passage of the Peerage Act 1963, women can inherit most hereditary peerages and thus become peers of the realm in their own right.
All 'peers of the realm' are 'peers' (holders of a noble title). However, 'peer' can be a broader term that includes, for example, life peers or be used in non-British contexts (e.g., French peerage). 'Peer of the realm' specifies a peer with a hereditary title and the right to sit in the UK's House of Lords.
Their power is greatly reduced. Since the House of Lords Act 1999, only 92 hereditary peers (peers of the realm) remain as members of the House of Lords, elected from among their number. They can scrutinise and suggest amendments to legislation, but the elected House of Commons has ultimate authority.
A member of the British nobility who has the right to sit in the House of Lords.
Peer of the realm is usually formal, legal, historical, political in register.
Peer of the realm: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɪər əv ðə ˈrɛlm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɪr əv ðə ˈrɛlm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take one's seat in the Lords (related action)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A PEER (noble) who belongs to the REALM (kingdom/UK) and sits in its government.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT IS A HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE; STATUS IS A LEGAL ENTITLEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'peer of the realm'?