throne

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A special chair used by a king, queen, or other high-ranking person on formal occasions.

   Grammar: Can be used with 'the' to refer to the position or power of a monarch.

   Patterns

   • sit on a throne
   • the throne
   • ascend the throne

   The king sat on a golden throne during the ceremony.

   The throne was decorated with velvet and precious stones.

   Visitors are not allowed to touch the ancient throne.

2. 2nounsingular

   The position or power of a monarch; the role of being king or queen.

   Grammar: Often used in phrases like 'take the throne' or 'next in line to the throne'.

   Patterns

   • take the throne
   • come to the throne
   • next in line to the throne

   She ascended the throne after her father's death.

   The young prince is second in line to the throne.

   He gave up the throne to marry a commoner.

Word forms

Common combinations

sit on the throne

The queen sat on the throne during the coronation.

take the throne

He took the throne at the age of eighteen.

ascend the throne

The princess will ascend the throne next year.

the throne room

The ambassadors were led into the throne room.

heir to the throne

The heir to the throne attended the state dinner.

Synonyms and how they differ

chair

A general word for a seat; throne is a special ceremonial chair for royalty.

crown

Crown can also mean royal power, but it refers to the monarch or the institution, not the physical chair.

seat

Seat is a general term for a place to sit; throne suggests a formal, high-status position.

Word family

throne verb

To place someone on a throne; to enthrone.

enthrone verb

To put a king or queen on a throne in a formal ceremony.

Commonly confused: throne or thorn?

Practice

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