Highness
ˈhaɪnəs
Definitions
2 meaningsA title used to address or refer to royalty, typically members of the royal family.
ˈhaɪnəs
A title of respect for royalty.
Her Royal Highness, the Princess, visited the hospital.
💡 Simply: Imagine a prince or princess. 'Highness' is what you call them, like a fancy 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' but for royalty!
👶 For kids: When you're talking to a king or queen, you can call them Your Highness.
More Examples
The letter was addressed to His Royal Highness, the Duke.
The ambassador bowed before Her Imperial Highness.
How It's Used
"Her Royal Highness, the Queen, attended the gala."
"Your Royal Highness, I humbly request an audience."
A poetic or archaic term for height or elevation, often used in a metaphorical sense.
ˈhaɪnəs
The state or quality of being high; height or elevation.
The highness of the cathedral ceiling inspired awe.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'highness' can mean how high up something is. It's like when you talk about the height of a building, but in a more old-fashioned way.
👶 For kids: How tall something is, like the highness of a tall tree.
More Examples
The highness of the platform was a challenge for the performers.
The highness of his ambitions was almost intimidating.
How It's Used
"The highness of the mountain peak was breathtaking."
Idioms & expressions
His/Her Royal Highness
A formal title for members of a royal family, such as a prince, princess, or duke.
"The ambassador was received by His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."
From Middle English *highnesse*, equivalent to high + -ness. The term originally referred to a person of high social rank or nobility, later becoming a title for royalty.
The term 'highness' has been used as a title of respect for royalty since the medieval period, evolving from less formal titles and gradually becoming standardized.
Memory tip
Think of a 'high' ranking in the royal family, hence 'Highness'.
Word Origin
"high + -ness (state or quality)"