Definition

Noun: 1. A line of hereditary rulers of a country; a dynasty: This refers to the direct sequence of monarchs from the same family who have ruled a nation over successive generations. 2. Royal persons collectively; royalty: This refers to the members of a royal family as a group.

Usage

The term "royal line" is used to discuss historical succession, lineage, and the collective body of a ruling family. * When discussing history or succession, it emphasizes the dynastic chain: "The Tudor royal line ended with Queen Elizabeth I." * When referring to living members, it is synonymous with "royalty" as a collective noun: "The royal line gathered for the state funeral."

Examples

• The current king is the 42nd monarch in an unbroken royal line stretching back over a thousand years.
• Historians study the royal line to understand patterns of power and inheritance.
• The photograph captured the entire royal line on the palace balcony.

Advanced Usage

• "In the direct royal line": Used to specify someone who is in the immediate line of succession to the throne.
  • As the firstborn son, he is in the direct royal line.

Variants and Related Words

• Royalty (n): The most common synonym when referring to royal persons collectively. (e.g., )
• Dynasty (n): A powerful group or family that maintains its position for a considerable time, often used interchangeably with "royal line" in a historical context. (e.g., )
• Line of succession: The official order of people entitled to succeed to the throne.
• Bloodline (n): Emphasizes lineal descent, especially from a common ancestor.

Synonyms

• Dynasty
• Royal family
• Royal house
• Monarchs
• Sovereignty (in the sense of royal rank or power)

Related Phrases

• "To trace one's lineage to the royal line": To find a genealogical connection to a dynasty.
  • He claims to trace his lineage to the ancient royal line.
• "The line of kings/queens": A phrase with a very similar meaning to "royal line."
  • She is the latest in a long line of queens.

Noun

1. royal persons collectively
   • the wedding was attended by royalty