Definition

A person who governs a country or province as the representative of a king or queen.

Example

The viceroy made important decisions for the colony on behalf of the monarch.

Conversation

Did you know that the viceroy butterfly looks a lot like the monarch?

Yeah, I’ve seen pictures of them; they’re really beautiful!

I learned that the viceroy is actually smaller than the monarch, too.

That’s interesting! I’ll have to look closer next time I see one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Viceroy → It is formed from "vice-" (meaning in place of) and "roi" (from Old French, meaning king). The word "viceroy" refers to a person who rules a country or province as the representative of a king or queen, effectively ruling in their place.

Memory Tip

Think of someone ruling 'in place of' ('vice-') a 'king' ('roi') — that's why a viceroy is a representative of a monarch.

Visually Confused Words