reine consort
The English phrase "queen consort" is translated into French as reine consort.
The term refers to the wife of a reigning king.
Meaning: wife of a reigning king (noun)
Which one should you use?
A reine consort is the wife of a king, whereas a reine régnante is a woman who rules in her own right.
How does it change in a sentence?
While reine consort is frequently used in modern French, the grammatically traditional feminine form of the adjective is consorte.
Did you know?
- The word consort comes from the Latin cōnsortem, which literally means 'sharer of a fate'.
- If a king dies, the reine consort may be referred to in French as the reine douairière, meaning she holds a dowry for her support.
- In a formal French court context, a queen was often referred to by her specific title and 'Majesté' rather than just the descriptive phrase reine consort.
Examples in context
- Elle était la reine consort de la France.She was the queen consort of France.
- La reine consort accompagne toujours le roi.The queen consort always accompanies the king.
- Le rôle de la reine consort est important.The role of the queen consort is important.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing a history book.
- EmmaQui est cette femme sur la photo ?Who is this woman in the photo?
- GabrielC'est la reine consort de l'époque.She is the queen consort of that era.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'elle dirigeait le pays ?Did she rule the country?
- GabrielNon, elle était seulement la reine consort.No, she was only the queen consort.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries consort, reine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
