lord
lord
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "lord" is /lɔːrd/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
l - /l/ (the "l" sound as in "lip")
ɔː - /ɔː/ (the "aw" sound as in "law")
rd - /rd/ (the combined "r" and "d" sounds as in "red")
Word Form Variations
lord (singular noun)
lords (plural noun)
Lord (singular noun, capitalized, often used as a title)
Lords (plural noun, capitalized, often used as a title, as in "House of Lords")
lordly (adjective)
lordship (noun)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
A man of high rank or authority: This definition refers to a nobleman, a person holding a hereditary title, or someone with significant power.
Synonyms: nobleman, aristocrat, peer, magnate, ruler, sovereign
Antonyms: commoner, plebeian, serf, servant
A master or owner: This definition emphasizes control or dominion over something, such as a manor, land, or even a person (historically, in contexts like feudalism).
Synonyms: master, proprietor, owner, overlord, superior
Antonyms: servant, subordinate, vassal, slave
A title of respect: Often capitalized ("Lord"), this is used as a formal address for certain men, especially those holding titles or positions of authority.
Synonyms: sir, mister (in some contexts), your Lordship
Antonyms: (Generally not applicable, as it's a form of address)
God or Christ: In religious contexts, "Lord" (capitalized) is used as a title for God or Jesus Christ.
Synonyms: Jehovah, Yahweh, the Almighty, the Creator, the Savior
Antonyms: (Generally not applicable, as it's a unique religious term)
Verb:
(Archaic) To dominate or control: This usage is less common in modern English but reflects the historical power associated with the word.
Synonyms: dominate, control, rule, command, reign
Antonyms: serve, obey, submit
Adjective:
(Rare) Haughty or arrogant: Describing someone who acts as if they are superior to others. This usage is less common and often implies a negative connotation.
Synonyms: arrogant, haughty, imperious, domineering, condescending
Antonyms: humble, modest, unassuming, respectful
Adverb:
(The word "lord" is not typically used as an adverb.)
Lordly (Adjective):
Befitting a lord; grand or majestic: This describes something that has the qualities of a lord, such as splendor, dignity, or power.
Synonyms: majestic, grand, regal, stately, dignified, noble
Antonyms: humble, modest, plain, simple, common
Haughty or arrogant (similar to the rare adjective use of "lord"): This meaning carries the same negative connotation of superiority.
Synonyms: arrogant, haughty, imperious, domineering, condescending
Antonyms: humble, modest, unassuming, respectful
Lordship (Noun):
Dominion or authority: This refers to the power or control associated with being a lord.
Synonyms: dominion, authority, power, control, sovereignty
Antonyms: servitude, submission, obedience
The title or position of a lord: This refers to the status or rank of a lord.
Synonyms: peerage, nobility, rank, title
Antonyms: (Generally not applicable, as it's a description of a social position)
A form of address for certain men (similar to the noun "Lord" but more formal): "Your Lordship."
Synonyms: (Similar to "Lord" as a title)
Antonyms: (Generally not applicable)
Examples of Use
Noun (High Rank/Authority):
"The lord of the manor surveyed his lands." (General public discourse/literature)
"He was a powerful lord in the feudal system." (History books/educational materials)
"The House of Lords debated the new legislation." (News articles about UK politics, e.g., BBC News)
Noun (Master/Owner):
"He was the lord of the dance." (Figurative expression, common in everyday speech)
"The lord and master of his own destiny." (Figurative expression, often found in self-help books or motivational speeches)
Noun (Title of Respect):
"Good morning, Lord Ashworth." (Dialogue in a period drama, e.g., Downton Abbey)
"My Lord, I beg to differ." (Courtroom drama, e.g., Law & Order)
"Thank you, Lord." (Formal letter or email)
Noun (God/Christ):
"The Lord is my shepherd." (Religious texts, e.g., the Bible, Psalm 23)
"Praise the Lord!" (Religious services/hymns)
"He is our Lord and Savior." (Religious sermons/writings)
Verb (Dominate/Control - Archaic):
"He lorded it over his younger siblings." (Figurative use, implying bossiness, common in everyday speech and literature)
(Less common in modern use)
Adjective (Haughty/Arrogant - Rare):
"He had a lordly air about him." (Describing someone's demeanor, found in literature and character descriptions)
Lordly (Adjective - Grand/Majestic):
"The castle was lordly and imposing." (Descriptive writing in fiction or travel articles, e.g., National Geographic)
"A lordly banquet was held in the great hall." (Historical fiction/fantasy novels)
Lordly (Adjective - Haughty/Arrogant):
"He gave a lordly wave of his hand." (Describing someone's dismissive gesture, found in literature)
Lordship (Noun - Dominion/Authority):
"The extent of his lordship was vast." (Historical or fantasy novels)
Lordship (Noun - Title/Position):
"He inherited the lordship upon his father's death." (Historical fiction/genealogical records)
Lordship (Noun - Form of Address):
"Your Lordship, the carriage awaits." (Dialogue in historical dramas)
These examples illustrate the diverse uses of "lord" and its related forms in various contexts, from formal titles and religious expressions to more figurative and informal uses in everyday language and media. It's worth noting that the archaic verb form and the adjective form meaning "haughty" are less common in modern usage.
10 Famous Quotes Using Lord
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1, King James Bible)
"Lord, what fools these mortals be!" (William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream)
“Lord, grant me the strength to face what I cannot change, and the nerve to change what I must.” — Original
"Lord, grant me chastity and continence, but not yet." (Saint Augustine, Confessions)
"The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21, King James Bible)
“Lord of what? A kingdom of mirrors and noise?” — Original
“We gave the name ‘lord’ to power, when it should’ve belonged to wisdom.” — Original
“He acted like a lord, but couldn’t rule his own impulses.” — Original
“Some lords inherit castles; others build theirs out of fear.” — Original
“Call no man lord who demands loyalty before love.” — Original
Etymology
Let's break down the etymology of "lord" in a way that's easy to understand.
The word "lord" has a long history, going all the way back to Old English. It comes from the Old English word hlāford, which is a combination of two parts:
hlāf: This meant "loaf" of bread. Think of it like the staff of life, the basic food.
weard: This meant "keeper" or "guardian."
So, hlāford literally meant "loaf-keeper" or "bread-keeper." Originally, this referred to the person in a household who was responsible for providing food. They were the head of the household, the one in charge.
Over time, the meaning of hlāford evolved. It went from simply the provider of food to a more general term for a powerful person, a master, or a ruler. This shift likely happened because the person in charge of the food supply also held other responsibilities and authority within the community. They were the one people looked to for protection and guidance.
The first known use of hlāford dates back to around the 7th century. We see it in early Old English texts. At that time, it already carried the sense of a person of high rank or authority, although the connection to its original meaning of "bread-keeper" was probably still present.
From hlāford, the word evolved into lord in Middle English, and finally into the modern English "lord" that we use today. So, the next time you hear the word "lord," remember its humble beginnings as a term for the person who took care of the food supply!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Lord
Using "Lord" Directly:
"Lord and master": This phrase emphasizes absolute authority or control. It's often used in a slightly dramatic or old-fashioned way. (Example: "He acted like the lord and master of the house.")
"Lord knows": An exclamation expressing uncertainty or exasperation. (Example: "Lord knows where I left my keys.")
"Thank the Lord": An expression of gratitude or relief. (Example: "Thank the Lord, the train finally arrived!")
"The Lord's Prayer": A well-known Christian prayer.
"House of Lords": Part of the UK Parliament.
"My Lord": A formal title of address.
Phrases with Related Concepts/Synonyms:
Since "lord" often implies power, control, or mastery, we can find similar idioms using those concepts:
"To rule the roost": To be in charge, to have the most influence. (Similar to "lord of the manor")
"To be the boss": To be in control. (Similar to "lord and master")
"To wear the pants": To be the dominant person in a relationship. (Similar to "lord of the household")
"To have the upper hand": To be in a position of power or advantage. (Similar to a lord's control over his lands)
"At someone's beck and call": To be completely at someone's service, ready to obey their every command. (The opposite of being a lord; implies servitude)
"To pull the strings": To be in control behind the scenes. (A more subtle form of lordship or mastery)
Why "Lord" Idioms Are Less Common:
The word "lord" has a certain formality and historical weight to it. It's not a word you'd typically use in very casual or slangy expressions. Also, the social structures that gave rise to the widespread use of "lord" have largely faded, so the word's everyday usage has diminished.
Original/Less Common Phrases (Examples):
"He had a lordly disregard for the rules." (Using "lordly" to imply arrogance)
"She lorded her knowledge over everyone else." (Using "lord" as a verb, though it's less common, to mean acting superior)
While "lord" itself may not feature in tons of common idioms, its associated concepts of power, control, and mastery are reflected in many other phrases we use every day.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of lord from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
