Skip to main content
princeps

princeps

9.9
A main ruler or leading citizen in ancient Rome
  • noun
  • /ˈprɪnˌkɛps/
  • Archaic
translation icon : princeps
  • Augustus was honored as the first princeps of the Roman Empire.

Examples

  • The title of princeps signified supreme authority in ancient Rome.

  • In ancient Rome, the princeps held significant power.

  • Historians often debate how much power the princeps truly held.

  • The princeps of Rome was highly respected.

  • Augustus was honored as the first princeps of the Roman Empire.

  • The title of princeps signified supreme authority in ancient Rome.

  • In ancient Rome, the princeps was considered the chief citizen and held significant influence.

Synonyms

chief
vsprinceps
1.9

A person who leads a group or community

is the specific Roman civic title for the top citizen
magister
vsprinceps
  • Literature
4 9.9

A top official who commands or manages in ancient institutions

is a civic top rank rather than an administrative or official post
imperator
vsprinceps
  • Archaic
3 9.9

An old title given to a Roman general after victory

is the civic top citizen title rather than a military victory title
dux
vsprinceps
  • Archaic
9.9

A military commander in ancient Rome who led the army

is the civilian top citizen title rather than a military commanding office

Compounds

Ochotona princeps
  • Specialized
9.9

A small animal like a rabbit that lives in rocky mountains of western North America

How Senior

princeps
  • Archaic
9.9
chief
1.9
leader
1.0
official
3.7

Surface Forms

princeps singular
princepses plural

Etymology

Princeps comes from the Latin parts primus ('first') and caput ('head'), the same root behind English words like prince and principal. In ancient Rome it was the title for the leading citizen, so princeps means the top or first person in rank.