What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
empress
Example
The empress of China was known for her wisdom and leadership. [empress: noun]
Example
She was the wife of the emperor and held the title of empress. [empress: noun]
Example
The businesswoman was an empress in her field, admired by all who knew her. [empress: noun]
queen
Example
Queen Elizabeth II has been the monarch of England since 1952. [queen: noun]
Example
The queen consort played an important role in the royal court. [queen: noun]
Example
She was a queen in her own right, known for her intelligence and grace. [queen: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Queen is a more commonly used term than empress in everyday language. Queen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while empress is less common and is often reserved for historical or fictional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between empress and queen?
Both empress and queen are formal titles that are typically used in formal contexts. However, empress may have a more exotic and mysterious connotation, making it less appropriate for very formal situations.