Highness

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Highness

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HY-nus  /ˈhaɪnəs/

Definition

The quality or condition of being high; a title of address or reference for royalty — His/Her/Your Highness, Your Royal Highness — used particularly for princes, princesses, and other members of royal families; (archaic) elevation or greatness of character.

Plain meaning

Highness is used primarily as a title for royalty — Your Highness is how you address a prince or princess; Your Royal Highness is the form for a closer member of the royal family. The abstract noun sense — the quality of being high — is largely obsolete in general use.

Register

Formal and ceremonial. Highness as a royal title is exclusively formal — it is part of the ceremonial language of royalty and is not used in informal contexts. The abstract noun sense is archaic.