sovrani

Sovrano is an Italian term that denotes the holder of supreme authority within a polity or territory. As a noun, it refers to a monarch or ruler, with the masculine form sovrano and the feminine form sovrana. The plural sovrani can denote multiple rulers or, in modern usage, sovereign states or authorities. As an adjective, sovrano describes supreme independence or authority, as in stato sovrano (sovereign state) or autorità sovrana.

Etymology: the word derives from Latin superānus, entering Italian through medieval vernacular forms, with the sense of being above others. The related abstract noun sovranità means sovereignty, the concept of supreme authority.

Usage: In contemporary Italian, sovrano is common in historical or ceremonial references to monarchies and in political science to describe politically independent units, such as stado sovrano. It contrasts with terms for individual rulers—monarca or regnante for the reigning sovereign—and with specific titles (re, imperatore) when needed. The term also appears in legal and diplomatic contexts to indicate a state’s independence and capacity to conduct its internal and external affairs without external subordination. In everyday language, however, monarca or sovrano are often replaced by more specific designations depending on the historical period or political system.