principality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, religious, geopolitical
Quick answer
What does “principality” mean?
A territory ruled by a prince, or the office or authority of a prince.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A territory ruled by a prince, or the office or authority of a prince.
A term often used for a small state or territory, especially in historical or religious contexts; can also refer metaphorically to a domain or sphere of influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The term appears more frequently in British English in historical and religious contexts due to the UK's own principalities (e.g., Wales) and established church discourse.
Connotations
In British context, often evokes the historical Principality of Wales. In American context, may more readily evoke European microstates or biblical references.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use, slightly higher in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “principality” in a Sentence
the Principality of [Name]a [adjective] principalityto rule a principalityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “principality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The region was principalityed for centuries under the Grimaldi family.
American English
- The treaty principalityed the alpine valley, granting it semi-autonomy.
adverb
British English
- The land was ruled principality, not as part of the kingdom.
American English
- They governed principality, with a focus on local customs.
adjective
British English
- The principality authorities issued new stamps.
- They enjoyed principality status for generations.
American English
- The principality government negotiated a new tax treaty.
- It was a principality affair, handled locally.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in wealth management or real estate contexts referring to Monaco or Liechtenstein.
Academic
Common in history, political science (studies of microstates), and theology (angelic hierarchies).
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used when discussing travel to Monaco or Andorra.
Technical
Used in heraldry, constitutional law (regarding titles and sovereignty), and historical geography.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “principality”
- Using 'principality' to mean 'principle' or 'fundamental truth'.
- Capitalisation error: 'principality' is lowercase unless part of a proper name (the Principality of Monaco).
- Pronouncing it as /ˌprɪnsɪˈpælɪti/ (four syllables) instead of the correct five.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While historically called the Principality of Wales, since the Laws in Wales Acts (16th century), it has been integrated into the Kingdom of England and later the United Kingdom. The title 'Prince of Wales' is ceremonial. Modern constitutional experts typically state the UK has no principalities, only constituent countries.
A kingdom is ruled by a king or queen, whose title is generally considered the highest sovereign monarchical rank. A principality is ruled by a prince, which can be a sovereign title (as in Monaco) or a title within a larger kingdom (historically). A kingdom is often, but not always, larger and more powerful.
Yes, though it's somewhat literary. It can describe any area or domain over which someone or something holds sway, e.g., 'The kitchen was her principality, where her rules were absolute.'
Two are widely recognized as sovereign states: the Principality of Monaco and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Andorra is a principality but is a co-principality, with two co-princes (the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell).
A territory ruled by a prince, or the office or authority of a prince.
Principality is usually formal, historical, religious, geopolitical in register.
Principality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌprɪnsɪˈpæləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌprɪnsəˈpæləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As rich as a principality”
- “To live like a prince in one's own principality (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'principal' (the main person, like a headteacher) plus '-ity'. A principality is a place where the principal ruler is a prince.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALL, CONTROLLED DOMAIN IS A PRINCIPALITY (e.g., 'He turned his balcony into a principality of potted plants').
Practice
Quiz
In Christian angelology, 'Principalities' are best described as: