divine right of kings

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Word: Divine Right of Kings

Definition: The "divine right of kings" is a belief that kings and queens get their power to rule directly from God. This means that they are not responsible to the people they govern. According to this idea, if someone tried to overthrow or challenge a king, it would be considered a very serious crime.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You can use this phrase when discussing historical beliefs about monarchy, especially in relation to power and authority.
• How to use: Typically, it is used in a historical or political context to explain why kings and queens acted as they did in the past.

Example Sentence:

"The divine right of kings was a popular belief in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, leading to conflicts between monarchs and those who sought more power for the people."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might explore how the divine right of kings influenced political theories and revolutions, such as the English Civil War or the American Revolution.

Word Variants:

• Divine Right: This can sometimes refer to the broader idea of religious justification for authority, not just limited to kings.
• Monarch: A term for a king or queen, often used when discussing the divine right.

Different Meanings:

While "divine right of kings" specifically refers to the monarchy's authority being derived from God, the term "divine right" alone can refer to any belief that a person has a God-given authority or privilege.

Synonyms:

• Royal prerogative: The special rights and privileges of a monarch.
• Theocracy: A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God, but this is broader than just kings.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "divine right of kings," you might encounter phrases like "to rule with an iron fist" when discussing authoritative leadership.

Conclusion:

Understanding the "divine right of kings" helps us see how power dynamics worked in history, particularly in monarchies, and how those ideas have evolved over time.

Academic

Noun

1. the doctrine that kings derive their right to rule directly from God and are not accountable to their subjects; rebellion is the worst of political crimes
   • the doctrine of the divine right of kings was enunciated by the Stuarts in Britain in the 16th century

Synonyms

• divine right