Definition

Proper noun: - King of Spain and Portugal (1527-1598): Philip II was the monarch of Spain and Portugal. He was a devout Catholic who strongly supported the Counter-Reformation, a movement within the Catholic Church to respond to the Protestant Reformation. He is historically famous for ordering the Spanish Armada, a large naval fleet, in an unsuccessful attempt to invade England in 1588. He was also the husband of Mary I, Queen of England.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Philip II of Spain ruled over a vast global empire.
  • The policies of Philip II of Spain had a profound impact on European history.
  • The defeat of the Spanish Armada was a major setback for Philip II of Spain.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The phrase "the age of Philip II" is sometimes used to refer to the period of Spanish hegemony and religious conflict in the latter half of the 16th century.
  • Art and literature flourished during the age of Philip II, even as political tensions grew.

Variants and Related Words

• Philip II (noun): A common shortened reference. When the context is clear, especially in European history, "Philip II" typically refers to Philip II of Spain.
  • Philip II made Madrid the capital of Spain.
• The Prudent King (noun): A historical epithet sometimes used for Philip II, referring to his cautious and deliberate governing style.
• Spanish Armada (noun): The fleet sent by Philip II against England, often associated with his reign.

Synonyms

• The Spanish King: A general descriptive term.
• Monarch of the Spanish Empire: A title emphasizing the scope of his rule.

Related Phrases

• "The empire on which the sun never sets": A phrase often associated with the global Spanish Empire during the reign of Philip II.
  • During the rule of Philip II of Spain, it was said that the sun never set on his empire.

Noun

1. king of Spain and Portugal and husband of Mary I; he supported the Counter Reformation and sent the Spanish Armada to invade England (1527-1598)