C1noun formal 5K

Reign

UK /["/reɪn/"]/ US /["/reɪn/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

the period during which a king, queen, emperor, etc. rules

Listen to definition

In simple words: The time a king or queen rules a country.

Examples

• By the end of his reign, the vast empire was in decline.
• The house was built during the reign of Henry VIII.
• Sir Alex Ferguson's reign at Manchester United
• The story only came out during the final days of his reign as Chief Executive.

Usage notes

Used when discussing monarchy or leadership. Avoid in casual conversation about everyday leadership unless you are being metaphorical.

Grammar pattern

reign + over + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'rain' — picture a king raining over his kingdom.

Collocations

• reign supreme
• reign over
• long reign
• period of reign

Synonyms

• rule
• govern
• lead
• command

Antonyms

• recession
• abdication
• anarchy
• disorder

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'reign' with 'rain'.
• Using 'reign' in a non-monarchical context.
• Incorrectly using 'reign' in the past tense without context.