Definition of sovereign

The word "sovereign" originated from the Old French "sovrain," which was derived from the Latin "superanus," meaning "overan" or "above." This Latin noun is a combination of "super," meaning "above" or "over," and "anus," meaning "veau" or "ruler". In the 14th century, the Old French "sovrain" was borrowed into Middle English as "soverayne" and eventually evolved into the modern English word "sovereign". Initially, the term referred to a ruler or king who was considered above or superior to others. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass the idea of supreme authority, independence, and self-governance, ultimately describing a nation or government that is fully independent and self-ruling.