kingly

American  

[king-lee] / ˈkɪŋ li /

adjective

kinglier, kingliest

1. stately or splendid, as resembling, suggesting, or befitting a king; regal.

   He strode into the room with a kingly air.

   Synonyms:

   grand, exalted, magnificent, august, majestic, sovereign, princely

   Antonyms:

   lowly

2. pertaining or proper to a king.

   kingly power.

   Synonyms:

   grand, exalted, magnificent, august, majestic, sovereign, princely

   Antonyms:

   lowly

3. having the rank of king.

4. consisting of kings or others of royal rank.

   kingly personages.

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adverb

1. in the manner of a king; regally.

kingly British  

/ ˈkɪŋlɪ /

adjective

1. appropriate to a king; majestic

2. royal

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adverb

1. poetic in a manner appropriate to a king

Related Words

Kingly, regal, royal refer to that which is closely associated with a king, or is suitable for one. What is kingly may either belong to a king, or be befitting, worthy of, or like a king: a kingly presence, appearance, graciousness. Regal is especially applied to the office of kingship or the outward manifestations of grandeur and majesty: regal authority, bearing, splendor, munificence. Royal is applied especially to what pertains to or is associated with the person of a monarch: the royal family, word, robes, salute; a royal residence.

Other Word Forms

• kingliness noun
• unkingly adjective

Etymology

Origin of kingly

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; king, -ly

Example Sentences

A purchase is theoretically possible and has historic precedents—although expanding one’s territory with gold or other payments has become rarer in modern times as nation states replaced empires and kingly realms.

From The Wall Street Journal

His pizzazz was a large measure of his appeal, along with his manufactured image as a shrewd businessman with a kingly touch and infallible judgment.

From Los Angeles Times

Later they turn to kingly and materialistic protections against their wandering.

From Salon

Robert Brustein, who died last month at the age of 96, was every inch a kingly critic.

From Los Angeles Times

Worn at every coronation since then, it symbolises kingly dignity.

From Reuters