regal

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Of, suitable for, or like a king or queen; royal in a grand, dignified way.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: a regal palace; she looked regal.

   Patterns

   • regal + noun
   • look regal

   The regal palace was open to the public for the first time.

   She wore a regal gown of deep purple and gold.

   He gave a regal wave to the crowd from the balcony.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Having a dignified, majestic manner or appearance, as if belonging to royalty.

   Grammar: Can be used with more/most: more regal than her sister.

   Patterns

   • look regal
   • a regal bearing

   Even in jeans, he had a regal bearing that made people stare.

   Her regal calm impressed everyone during the crisis.

Word forms

Common combinations

regal bearing

The old man carried himself with a regal bearing.

regal attire

The actors wore regal attire for the coronation scene.

regal splendor

The hall was decorated with regal splendor.

regal presence

Her regal presence filled the room.

Synonyms and how they differ

royal

Royal refers to actual kings and queens or their family; regal can describe anyone who looks or acts like royalty.

majestic

Majestic is stronger and often used for grand natural things like mountains; regal is more about human dignity.

stately

Stately suggests slow, formal dignity, often for buildings or old people; regal suggests the dignity of a monarch.

Opposites

Word family

regally adverb

In a regal manner: She nodded regally.

regality noun

The state of being regal; royalty.

Commonly confused: regal or regale? regal or royal?

Practice

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