VocabDictionary

divine right

/dɪˌvaɪn ˈraɪt/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The doctrine that monarchs derive their authority directly from God and are therefore not accountable to their subjects, parliaments, or any other earthly authority.

Example Sentences:
  • The king justified his absolute control over the treasury by claiming a divine right to rule.
  • The Enlightenment thinkers challenged the concept of divine right, arguing instead for the social contract.
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Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “divine right”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the 17th-century political and religious doctrine of the 'Divine Right of Kings' (droit divin), which posited that a monarch is subject to no earthly authority, deriving the right to rule directly from the will of God. The term combines the Latin 'divinus' (of or by a god) and the Old English 'riht' (just, good, or fair).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a king wearing a crown with a direct 'hotline' to God, bypassing all human laws.

Frequently Asked Questions About “divine right

1. What is the meaning of “divine right” in English?

In English, divine right (noun) is defined as: “The doctrine that monarchs derive their authority directly from God and are therefore not accountable to their subjects, parliaments, or any other earthly authority.”.

2. How do you use “divine right” in a sentence?

The king justified his absolute control over the treasury by claiming a divine right to rule.

3. What are English synonyms of “divine right”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “divine right”?

Derived from the 17th-century political and religious doctrine of the 'Divine Right of Kings' (droit divin), which posited that a monarch is subject to no earthly authority, deriving the right to rule directly from the will of God. The term combines the Latin 'divinus' (of or by a god) and the Old English 'riht' (just, good, or fair).