Dynasty
/ˈdɪnəsti/
Definitions
2 meaningsA succession of rulers from the same family, typically through inheritance.
/ˈdɪnəsti/
A sequence of rulers from the same family.
The pharaohs of ancient Egypt came from a long and powerful dynasty.
💡 Simply: Imagine a family that always runs the country! The king and queen pass the job to their kids, and so on. That family and all their rulers are called a dynasty. For example, if the Smith family always had the boss job, they'd be the 'Smith dynasty' of the company.
👶 For kids: A dynasty is like a family of kings and queens. If a king's kids become kings and queens too, that's a dynasty!
More Examples
The Tudor dynasty left a significant mark on English history.
The rise and fall of the imperial dynasties shaped the course of Chinese civilization.
How It's Used
"The Ming dynasty ruled China for almost 300 years."
"Some countries have experienced lengthy periods under a single dynasty."
A powerful family or group that maintains its position of influence or control over a long period, similar to a ruling family.
/ˈdɪnəsti/
A family or group that maintains power or influence for a long time.
The Kennedy family has been considered a political dynasty.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, a family is so good at something, like running a business or winning at sports, that they stay on top for a long time. It's like their family has the magic touch! That's a dynasty too. For example, the 'Williams tennis dynasty' kept winning for years.
👶 For kids: Sometimes, a family is really good at something, like playing sports. If they win a lot and stay at the top for a long time, it's like they have a 'winning family' or 'dynasty'.
More Examples
Their dynasty in the industry lasted for generations.
The team's sustained success built a dynasty in the sport.
How It's Used
"The Rockefeller dynasty controlled a vast industrial empire."
"The Lakers' championship dynasty dominated basketball in the 1980s."
Idioms & expressions
a dynasty in decline
A family or group that is losing its power or influence.
"The company, once a dynasty in decline, struggled to adapt to the changing market."
From Greek *dunasteia* meaning 'lordship, power, rule', from *dynastēs* 'ruler, lord'. It entered English in the 16th century and initially referred to a line of hereditary rulers, and later extended to families with power and influence.
The term 'dynasty' was commonly used in historical texts to describe the succession of rulers in various empires and kingdoms. It reflects the organization of political power through familial lines.
Memory tip
Think of 'di-nast-y' - the 'di' standing for 'descendants' and 'nast' for 'nation' where descendants rule.
Word Origin
"lordship, power, rule"