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souverain

sovereign

noun soo-vuh-RAN Rare

Also means

ruler

Usage Note

Souverain functions as both a noun (a sovereign/monarch) and an adjective (un pouvoir souverain = sovereign power). The feminine is souveraine. Abstract noun souveraineté (sovereignty) is central to French political vocabulary, notably in debates about national vs. European sovereignty.

Examples

"Le souverain a signé le traité."

Natural Translation

The sovereign signed the treaty.

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