Are you wondering what "sovereign" means? Where did this adjective come from? In what situations is it appropriate to use it? In this article, let's take a closer look at the history of the origin of this word, select synonyms for it and find out its meaning.
Sovereign - what is it?
So, the word "sovereign" is borrowed. Its “relative” is the English noun and adjective sovereign, used to refer to a person or even a state that is endowed with independent and supreme power (in case the word acts as a noun). Especially actively used in the context of the monarchy (emperor, king, monarch or any other person with supreme power).
Also, if with the help of this word they want to give a qualitative description of the subject, it can have the following meanings.
Sovereign is:
- independent or without any restrictions;
- having or en titled to original authority or jurisdiction.
It is quite logical that this word is used inmeaning "royal", "princely", "paramount".
In general, this word comes from the old French word soverain, which, in turn, through spelling changes under the influence of associations and the evolution of the etymological meaning, came to France from the Latin language. The great-grandfather of the word "sovereign" is the Latin super, meaning "above", "above".
So, in Russian, "sovereign" is a word that has a similar meaning. It can be used in relation to a person with supreme power, as well as in relation to independent states.
Usage examples
Now that we know "sovereign" means "independent" or "in power", put it in context.
For example, this word can be used like this: "Lithuania and Armenia signed an agreement in Vilnius, thereby recognizing each other as independent sovereign states" or "The Federation declared itself as a sovereign republic."
