kingly

[king-lee]

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.

adverb

1. in the manner of a king; regally.

kingly

/ ˈkɪŋlɪ /

adjective

1. appropriate to a king; majestic

2. royal

adverb

1. poetic,  in a manner appropriate to a king

Other Word Forms

• kingliness noun
• unkingly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kingly¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

“For some reason, we have given presidents the power of a king, and then we say, ‘Well, you’re not going to get all kingly and s**t on us, right?’

From Salon

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

Some of the lack of enthusiasm might be attributable to the fact that, at 74, Charles has spent the bulk of his life awaiting the kingly role that passed to him upon Elizabeth’s death.

From Los Angeles Times