In this post, we want to share some ideas on how to describe a queen in a story. Read on to learn about 10 descriptive words you can use to write the perfect queen.
1. Royal
Definition
- Related to the crown, either through law or ancestry.
- Greatest in one or more dimensions.
Example
“The castle was befitting such a royal queen such as herself.”
“The royal queen was loved and revered by all her subjects.”
How it Adds Description
Royal comes from roial, a Middle English word meaning kingly. Because it is the most common way to describe a king or queen, describing a queen as royal would help the reader imagine the castles, crowns, jewels, and ambiance we associate with royalty. Think of it like a shortcut to show she is a stereotypical queen.
2. Regal
Definition
- Connected to monarchy.
- Outstanding or exceptional beyond compare.
Example
“The queen had more of a regal air about her than the last monarch.”
“She curtseyed politely to the regal queen, stood in her crown and sash.”
How it Adds Description
Like royal, regal comes from the Latin word for kingly. Unlike royal, though, regal is often used to describe a monarch who is politely stoic. The queen might not be very talkative, but her very demeanor still demands respect and reverence.
3. Majestic
Definition
- Having power or authority.
- Significance in value or disposition.
Example
“The queen looked absolutely majestic in her traditional royal attire.”
“What a majestic queen she is, always thinking about what’s best for her people.”
How it Adds Description
Majestic conjures a sense of grandeur and vastness that demands a sense of awe and devotion. Describing a queen as majestic suggests she fills her royal role perfectly and with ease, almost as if by magic; nobody could represent her country and position like she does.
4. Grand
Definition
- Being of a greater position or importance.
- Extravagant or sublime.
- Impressive in size or features.
Example
“The grand queen approached with an entourage the size of a town square.”
“When she died, the grand queen had a funeral that lasted for days.”
How it Adds Description
Grand is often used to describe big spaces and buildings that overwhelm those around them with their size. To use grand to describe a queen suggests she takes up a lot of space with her personality or position, while also being admired for the quality of those same features.
5. Noble
Definition
- Exceptional in quality or station.
- Upper-class.
- High beliefs or principles.
Example
“The noble queen held her head up high as she entered the throne room.”
“Nobody believed that such a noble queen could have done something so scandalous.”
How it Adds Description
A nobleman is someone born into the aristocracy, like a duke or earl. Noble is also associated with those who only have the best intentions at heart. A noble queen likely makes decisions for her country that are good for all of her people rather than a small few.
6. Stately
Definition
- Characterized by great pride.
- Great size.
Example
“The stately queen looked at her general deadpan and replied, ‘We should do only what’s best for our country and nothing more.’”
“At her coronation, the queen looked even more stately than her military officers.”
How it Adds Description
Stately is most often used to describe people who embody the government. A stately queen would be someone who seems to represent the rules and procedures of her kingdom just by being present. Think of Queen Victoria I of Great Britain; she was considered the epitome of stately because she was always very serious in all her interactions concerning Britain and its colonies.
7. Dignified
Definition
Showing formality and great respect.
Example
“The queen approached all her interactions in a dignified manner so as to seem as responsible as possible.”
“We had to observe all the formalities when meeting the dignified queen.”
How it Adds Description
A queen is supposed to be above all reproach and the perfect representation of her kingdom and her government. Using dignified to describe her or her actions shows the queen as just that: proper, formal, and respectful to her position and responsibility.
8. Imperial
Definition
- Relating to the leader of an empire or kingdom.
- Of great, unnatural size or quality.
- Authoritative.
Example
“The queen’s domineering manner over her ministers was downright imperial.”
“The people could not believe they were now ruled by such an imperial queen, whose only concern was conquering her neighbors.”
How it Adds Description
As with anything to do with empire or colonialization, imperial suggests a negative impression of a ruler but particularly a queen. Imperial evokes images of conquest and eradicating of indigenous people. It also suggests a ruler who has no softer qualities and is hyper-focused on a single goal with no ability to bend or listen to the contrary.
9. Sovereign
Definition
- Possessing high power over others.
- Most supreme in quality or kind.
Example
“She was a sovereign queen and demanded the respect of such power from all in her court.”
“The queen’s kindness was as sovereign as her power.”
How it Adds Description
While sovereign is most associated with power and prestige, it can also be used to describe how top class a person is in personality or skill. When using sovereign to describe a queen, it can describe her station as the highest leader of her kingdom. It can also be used to describe how she is the best at whatever she does or acts.
10. Revered
Definition
Worthy of great devotion or admiration.
Example
“The revered queen was admired even more so after her actions in the crisis.”
“The soldiers bowed as their revered queen passed them in the battlefield.”
How it Adds Description
Revered (or to give reverence to) specifically means to have such admiration for someone, you almost worship them. Describing a queen as revered suggests that she is such a great leader that nobody would dare to question her or her decisions. People defer to her, regardless of the situation, and her very presence is near-holy. A revered queen would be portrayed almost the same as a top religious figure such as the Pope.