souverain

Souverain is a French term that functions as both adjective and noun. As an adjective, it means sovereign, supreme, or ultimate, used to describe the highest authority within a political system or the quality of being independent and self-governing. As a noun, it refers to a monarch or ruler, such as a king or queen. The feminine form is souveraine, and the plural forms are souverains (masculine) and souveraines (feminine).

Etymology and forms: the word derives from Old French souverain, itself from Latin superānus or superanus, meaning above or supreme. The form has evolved in French while retaining the core sense of supremacy and autonomy.

Usage and concepts: in political and legal contexts, souverain denotes the supreme authority of a state. It appears in phrases such as État souverain (sovereign state) and souveraineté (sovereignty), which denotes the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself. Concepts like souveraineté nationale (national sovereignty) and souveraineté populaire (popular sovereignty) are central to discussions of constitutional order and international law. In historical or ceremonial contexts, souverain can designate a monarch, for example, a king or queen considered the sovereign head of state. The term also appears in discussions of autonomy and self-determination, where sovereignty denotes ultimate authority within a territory or community.

See also: sovereignty, sovereign state, sovereign power. The word is cognate with the English sovereign and shares a common Indo-European heritage, appearing in many languages with similar meanings of supreme authority or independent rule.