Anti-monarchical – Definition & Meaning

Anti-monarchical is a term that has been used for centuries to describe people who are against the idea of having a monarch as the head of state. This term has a rich history and has been used in different contexts to describe different political movements and ideologies.

Definitions

Anti-monarchical is an adjective used to describe a person or a movement that is opposed to monarchy, the system of government in which a single person, usually a king or queen, holds supreme power. In other words, anti-monarchical is a term used to describe those who are against the idea of having a monarch as the head of state.

Origin

The term anti-monarchical has its roots in the Greek language. The word “anti” means “against,” while “monarchical” comes from the Greek word “monarchia,” which means “rule by one.” The term was first used in the 17th century in England, during the English Civil War, when the Parliamentarians opposed the monarchy and fought against King Charles I.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of anti-monarchical is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines anti-monarchical as “opposed to or against the principle of monarchy.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “opposed to or hostile toward monarchy or monarchs.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “opposed to the idea of having a king or queen as the head of a country.”

Associations

The term anti-monarchical is associated with different political movements and ideologies. In the 17th century, it was associated with the Parliamentarians, who fought against the monarchy in England. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was associated with the Enlightenment thinkers who believed in democracy and the rule of law. In the 20th century, it was associated with socialist and communist movements that opposed the idea of having a ruling class.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for anti-monarchical, including republican, democratic, egalitarian, and anti-aristocratic. These terms are used to describe people or movements that are against the idea of having a monarch or an aristocracy as the ruling class.

Antonyms

The antonyms of anti-monarchical are monarchist, royalist, and pro-monarchy. These terms are used to describe people or movements that support the idea of having a monarch as the head of state.

The same root words

The same root words as anti-monarchical include monarchy, monarch, and monarchism. These words are used to describe the system of government in which a single person, usually a king or queen, holds supreme power.

Example Sentences

1. The anti-monarchical movement in England gained momentum during the English Civil War.
2. The Enlightenment thinkers were known for their anti-monarchical views and their belief in democracy.
3. The socialist and communist movements of the 20th century were strongly anti-monarchical.
4. The republican party in the United States is often described as anti-monarchical.
5. The pro-monarchy group in the United Kingdom is opposed by the anti-monarchical movement.