regal
Meaning: Resembling, befitting, or characteristic of a monarch; impressively dignified and composed in bearing or appearance.
Regal specifically evokes the qualities associated with royalty — dignity, poise, authority, and composure. It is most commonly applied to bearing and demeanour: someone can have a regal presence without being royal. In British culture, where the monarchy remains a prominent institution, the word carries particular resonance. It can describe architecture, dress, or manner, and always implies an effortless superiority. It is gentler than 'imperious' and more personal than 'majestic.'
Examples
- She carried herself with a regal composure that silenced the murmuring courtroom. 她以一种王者般的从容自若令喧哗的法庭安静了下来。Se comportó con una compostura regia que silenció el murmullo de la sala del tribunal.彼女は王者のような落ち着きでざわめく法廷を静まらせた。그녀는 왕자와 같은 침착함으로 웅성대는 법정을 잠재웠다.
- The regal facade of Buckingham Palace provides the backdrop to some of the nation's most solemn ceremonies. 白金汉宫庄严的正面为国家最隆重的仪式提供了背景。La regia fachada del Palacio de Buckingham sirve de telón de fondo a algunas de las ceremonias más solemnes de la nación.バッキンガム宮殿の威厳ある正面は、国家の最も厳粛な式典の背景となっている。버킹엄 궁전의 위엄 있는 정면은 국가의 가장 엄숙한 의식들의 배경이 된다.
- There was something almost regal about the old oak tree that stood alone in the centre of the field. 田野中央孤零零矗立的那棵老橡树有着几乎王者般的气度。Había algo casi regio en aquel viejo roble que se erguía solitario en el centro del campo.野原の真ん中にぽつんと立つその老樫の木には、どこか王者を思わせるものがあった。들판 한가운데 홀로 서 있는 그 늙은 참나무에는 어딘가 왕자다운 풍모가 있었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, journalism, general
Tone: appreciative
Origin & History
From Old French regal or Latin regalis (royal, kingly), from rex (king). Entered English in the late 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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