Words / B2

SOVR-in/ˈsɒvrɪn/

Sovereign means having independent political power; as a noun, a monarch or an old gold coin: a sovereign parliament; a sovereign state. Independent is the everyday twin; sovereignty is the noun (already elsewhere). A sovereign parliament can repeal the Act. Mix-up: reign is a monarch’s period; souvenir is a keepsake. Do not call a school council sovereign.

Meaning

Having independent political power; also (noun) a king or queen, or an old gold coin.

Examples

• “A sovereign parliament can repeal the Act, the politics booklet said.”
• “The exhibition labelled a gold sovereign, which is the coin sense.”

Good to know

a sovereign state / parliament; sovereign power. Noun: a monarch / coin. Noun idea: sovereignty. Trap: souvenir. Politics and history. Independent power, not a postcard.

Near in meaning

independent

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