princely
|prin-sly|
🇺🇸
/ˈprɪn(t)sli/
🇬🇧
/ˈprɪnsli/
like a prince; royal, magnificent, generous
Etymology
'princely' originates from English, specifically from the noun 'prince' plus the adjectival suffix '-ly', where 'prince' came from Old French 'prince' and ultimately Latin 'princeps'.
'princeps' (Latin) > 'prince' (Old French) > 'prince' (Middle English) > 'princely' (English formed by adding '-ly' to 'prince').
Initially it meant 'of or relating to a prince' and over time it acquired additional senses of 'magnificent' and 'generous', which are common in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of or relating to a prince; royal.
The princely family attended the ceremony.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
magnificent, splendid, or grand in appearance or scale.
They lived in princely splendour.
Synonyms
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/08 11:08