divine right

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divine right

A king sits upon his throne, believing his authority is a divine right.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A political and religious doctrine: The belief that a monarch's authority to govern comes directly from God, not from the consent of the people. This makes the ruler unaccountable to earthly authorities like parliaments or subjects.
    • An unquestionable entitlement: By extension, it can describe any power or privilege believed to be inherently and unquestionably legitimate, as if granted by a higher power.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The king ruled by divine right, believing his power was a sacred gift from God.
    • The Stuart kings of England were strong proponents of the divine right of kings.
    • He acts with a sense of divine right, as if his opinions should never be challenged.
Advanced Usage
  • "by divine right": A phrase used to indicate that authority or privilege is believed to be God-given and absolute.
    • The emperor claimed to rule by divine right, making any opposition an act of heresy.
  • "divine right of kings": The specific historical doctrine associated with European monarchies.
    • The concept of the divine right of kings was used to justify absolute monarchy.
Variants and Related Words
  • Divine-right monarchy (n): A system of government where the monarch's power is based on this doctrine.
    • A divine-right monarchy often resists democratic reforms.
  • Divinely ordained (adj): Appointed or authorized by God. This is a related concept often used in the same context.
    • They saw their leader as divinely ordained.
Synonyms
  • God-given right: A right believed to be bestowed by God.
  • Absolute right: An unrestricted right or power.
  • Mandate of heaven: A similar concept from Chinese history, where the right to rule is granted by heaven.
Related Phrases
  • To claim divine right: To assert one's authority as being derived from God.
    • The dictator claimed divine right to justify his oppressive regime.
Related Idioms
  • A divine right to rule: An idiom directly referencing the doctrine, often used critically.
    • No modern leader has a divine right to rule; they must earn the people's trust.
divine right

A king sits upon his throne, believing his authority is a divine right.

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

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