Definition

A region or area that is ruled by a viceroy, who is a representative of a monarch.

Example

The viceroyalty was established to manage the colony more effectively.

Conversation

Did you know that the region was once a viceroyalty?

Really? I didn’t learn about that in school.

Yeah, it was governed by a viceroy for many years.

That explains a lot about the local culture and history.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Viceroyalty → It is formed from "vice-" (meaning in place of) and "royalty" (from Old French *reialte*, meaning royal authority or rank). The term refers to the authority or governance exercised by a viceroy, who rules in place of a king or queen.

Memory Tip

Think of a viceroy as someone who rules 'in place of' ('vice-') a king or queen, which helps you remember that a viceroyalty is the territory governed by such a representative.

Visually Confused Words