Monarch Means One Ruler, and Also One Butterfly
A monarch is a sovereign who reigns for life. The word is Greek for sole ruler, and North America gave the name to a famous butterfly.
A monarch is a king, queen, emperor or equivalent, holding the position for life and usually by inheritance. The Greek is exact: *monos*, alone, and *archein*, to rule. The butterfly acquired the same name in the seventeenth century, probably in honour of a king, and now shares the word with every crowned head in the world.
- A sovereign head of state. *A constitutional monarch.*
- A large orange and black butterfly. *Monarchs migrate to Mexico.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | monarch | The reigning monarch. |
| Plural | monarchs | European monarchs. |
| Noun | monarchy | A constitutional monarchy. |
| Adjective | monarchical | Monarchical power. |
| Person | monarchist | A committed monarchist. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The monarch's role is largely ceremonial.In constitutional monarchies.
- Monarch butterflies travel thousands of kilometres.Over several generations.
- The country abolished the monarchy in 1974.The institution, not the person.
Kinds of monarchy
- Absolute — the monarch holds real governing power
- Constitutional — power limited by law, often to ceremony
- Elective — the monarch is chosen rather than inheriting
- Regency — someone rules for a monarch unable to
- Abdication — a monarch giving up the throne
From Late Latin *monarcha*, from Greek *monarkhes*, from *monos*, alone, and *arkhein*, to rule. The same *arkhein* gives *anarchy*, *hierarchy* and *architect*.
Why is the butterfly called a monarch?
The name is recorded from the seventeenth century and is usually explained as a compliment to William of Orange, though the evidence is thin.
Monarch or sovereign?
Nearly the same. Sovereign emphasises supreme authority; monarch emphasises that one person holds it.