The verb “crown” has several meanings, such as to place a crown on the head of a king or queen during a coronation ceremony, to award a victory or championship, or to top or complete something in a way that gives it a kind of honor or finality. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Enthrone
- Meaning: To place (a king, queen, or other sovereign) on a throne, especially as part of a coronation ceremony. For example, “The archbishop enthroned the new king.”
- Usage difference: “Enthrone” is very similar to the first meaning of “crown” when it refers to a royal coronation. However, it emphasizes the act of placing the monarch on the throne as a symbol of their power and position. In contrast, “crown” focuses more on the act of placing the crown on the head. While both are related to the ceremony of investiture, “enthrone” gives a more complete picture of the process that establishes the monarch's rule.
2. Coronate
- Meaning: To crown (a sovereign) as part of a coronation ceremony. For example, “The prince was coronated in a grand ceremony.”
- Usage difference: “Coronate” is a very close synonym to the traditional meaning of “crown” when used in a royal context. The difference is mainly in usage; “coronate” is a more formal or archaic - sounding term. It is often used in more elaborate descriptions of the coronation ritual, similar to “crown” but with a more ceremonial and perhaps old - fashioned flavor.
3. Award (in the sense of victory or championship)
- Meaning: To give or grant as an official payment, compensation, or prize for something, such as a victory. For example, “The judges awarded the gold medal to the best athlete.”
- Usage difference: When “crown” is used to mean awarding a victory or championship, “award” is a more general synonym. “Crown” in this context often implies a sense of the highest honor or a kind of ultimate recognition. For example, a team can be crowned champions, which gives a more exalted sense than simply being awarded the championship. “Award” is a more neutral term that can refer to any kind of prize - giving, while “crown” emphasizes the topmost position or the pinnacle of achievement.
4. Cap (in the sense of completing or topping)
- Meaning: To put a cap on; to top or finish off in a way that gives a sense of completion or climax. For example, “Her excellent performance capped the evening's entertainment.”
- Usage difference: When “crown” means to top or complete something, “cap” is a useful synonym. “Cap” is more about adding a final touch or a culminating element. In contrast, “crown” in this sense implies a more regal or prestigious way of completing. For example, a beautiful view might crown a hike, suggesting it's the most glorious or outstanding part that tops off the experience, while “cap” could be used in a more casual way to say that a particular event or action was the final touch to a sequence.