What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
king
Example
The king of England was known for his lavish lifestyle and extravagant parties. [king: noun]
Example
He was considered the king of rock and roll, with millions of fans around the world. [king: metaphorical]
sovereign
Example
The sovereign of the United Kingdom is Queen Elizabeth II. [sovereign: noun]
Example
The company was a sovereign entity, with no outside investors or shareholders. [sovereign: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
King is more common and versatile than sovereign in everyday language, as it can be used to describe a person's status or excellence in various fields. Sovereign is a more formal term used in official or legal contexts to describe entities with supreme power or authority.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between king and sovereign?
Sovereign is a more formal term than king, as it is often used in official or legal contexts to describe entities with supreme power or authority. King can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the conversation or text.