WordGarden.ioprincely
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈɪnsli/
US
- /ˈprɪnsli/
Meanings
Adjective
of, relating to, or suitable for a prince; royal
grand, lavish, or very generous in style or amount
Beyond the definition
"Princely" doesn't always mean relating to princes. While it certainly can describe something connected with royalty, it is more often used for something grand, impressive, or very generous. You might hear about a princely sum of money, a princely home, or a reward that seems unusually large. The word suggests a scale or style that feels rich and noble, even when no real prince is involved.
The word hints at the qualities people often connect with princes in stories: wealth, status, and grandeur. It's more than just expensive; it also suggests dignity and high rank. Writers have long used "princely" for things that seem fit for royalty, or for acts of striking generosity.
"Princely" is a word steeped in history and association, originally meaning relating to a prince or to royalty. A "princely estate" would be land owned by a prince, and a "princely court" would be the circle of people around him. However, over time, "princely" has expanded beyond its literal connection to nobility.
Today, it's often used as an adjective to describe something exceptionally grand, magnificent, or impressive in scale. A "princely mansion" isn't just large; it suggests a level of luxury and grandeur fit for royalty. A "princely style" or a "princely welcome" can carry the same sense of splendor and high status.
Another common use of "princely" is to describe remarkable generosity, especially when the gift, payment, or reward is unusually large. To offer someone a "princely reward" is not just to give money, but to give it on a generous scale. In this sense, the word often points more to size and richness than to emotion.
The word carries echoes of nobility and high rank, suggesting a certain standard of excellence and grace. It's not simply about wealth or status; it's also about the quality of something: its grandeur, generosity, and dignity. So whether it describes a palace, a reward, or a formal welcome, "princely" evokes a sense of regal splendor.
Examples
- 1
Luxury hotel
They stayed in a princely suite with marble floors and a view of the sea.
- 2
Job offer
The company offered her a princely salary to join the team.
- 3
Large expense
They spent a princely sum on the wedding.
- 4
Humorous amount
For a whole afternoon of work, I earned the princely sum of ten dollars.
- Usage
the princely sum of can be humorous when the amount is actually small
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Generosity
He thanked the staff with princely generosity.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- princelyadjective
Forms
- princeliercomparativeadjective
- princeliestsuperlativeadjective