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Where does the word "monarchy" come from? It comes from Greek monarkhia, passing through Late Latin before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "monarchy" come from? It comes from Greek monarkhia, passing through Late Latin before entering English (1300s).
Monarchy’s story begins in Greek: monarkhia meant “rule by one.” 'monos', alone, plus 'arkhein', to rule. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Late Latin as monarchia. Used in medieval political theory. It reached English by 1300s as monarchy. Came via Old French 'monarchie'. Today, monarchy means a form of government with a king or queen as head of state.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient monarkhia "rule by one", 'monos', alone, plus 'arkhein', to rule.
- Stage 2 · Late Latin · ancient monarchia "monarchy", used in medieval political theory.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s monarchy "rule by a sovereign", came via Old French 'monarchie'.