prīnceps
masculine
The English word 'prince' can be translated into Latin as prīnceps or regulus.
Meaning: son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prīnceps | masculine | |
| regulus | [ˈreː.ɡʊ.ɫʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈrɛː.ɡu.lus] (narrow) |
The term is used to describe the son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, prīnceps means 'the first' or 'the foremost' person.
Which one should you use?
prīnceps implies a person of foremost importance, whereas regulus is a diminutive of the word for king and literally means 'little king'. regulus is often used to refer to minor royalty or chieftains.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of prīnceps is principes.
Did you know?
- The English word 'principal' and 'principle' are both distant linguistic relatives of prīnceps, as they all stem from the Latin idea of being 'first'.
- While prīnceps denotes status and rank, regulus was often used by Romans to patronizingly describe the leaders of foreign tribes or minor client states.
- The word prīnceps was used by Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, as a title to avoid calling himself a 'king' or 'dictator' while still holding absolute power.
Examples in context
- prīnceps in viam longam sē dedit.The prince has set out on a long journey.This sentence is useful for seeing prīnceps used in a context of travel.Tatoeba #4007083 by User55521, translation #25620 by CM
- Lucius est princeps splendidus.Lucius is a splendid prince.
- Principem meum vocant Princellum.They call my prince Princellus.
- Omnes principes erant amiciAll the princes were friends.
- prīnceps ad palatium vēnit.The prince came to the palace.
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus are discussing a royal visit.
- JuliaVidistine prīncipem hodiē?Did you see the prince today?
- QuintusIta, prīnceps per urbem ambulāvit.Yes, the prince walked through the city.
- JuliaEstne prīnceps benignus?Is the prince kind?
- QuintusPutō prīncipem esse optimā virō.I think the prince is a very good man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prince” translations and entries regulus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
