Etymology Map
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Monarchy

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a form of government with a king or queen as head of state

Where does the word "monarchy" come from? It comes from Greek monarkhia, passing through Late Latin before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
monarkhia
Greek · ancient
"rule by one"
'monos', alone, plus 'arkhein', to rule
2
Stage 2 of 3
monarchia
Late Latin · ancient
"monarchy"
used in medieval political theory
3
Stage 3 of 3
monarchy
English · 1300s
"rule by a sovereign"
came via Old French 'monarchie'
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Read the full story

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.