Kingdom vs. Realm: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 30, 2023
A kingdom is a political or territorial unit ruled by a monarch, while a realm can be any sphere, domain, or area, not necessarily political.
Difference Between Kingdom and Realm
Kingdom and realm are terms that, though sometimes used interchangeably, possess distinct meanings. A kingdom is chiefly understood as a political or territorial unit that is governed by a monarch. It implies a structured form of governance, with a defined territory and often historical or cultural significance. When we speak of kingdoms, we often allude to realms of royalty, such as the Kingdom of England or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Conversely, the word realm is broader in its implications. While it can denote a kingdom or territory, it's not confined to political contexts. Realm can reference any domain, sphere, or field, making it applicable in various settings. For instance, in literature, one might encounter "the realm of fantasy" or in science, "the realm of physics."
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Interestingly, when discussing historical or fantasy narratives, kingdom and realm might seem synonymous, denoting territories overseen by rulers. However, kingdom always retains its association with a monarchial system, while realm can be more abstract, often extending to the metaphoric or theoretical spheres.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
In essence, while there's overlap in the usage of kingdom and realm, especially in certain contexts, the two words aren't entirely synonymous. A kingdom is a distinct type of realm, but not all realms are kingdoms. As with many words in the English language, context plays a crucial role in discerning the specific meaning.
Leo
Sep 30, 2023
Kingdom vs. Realm Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Political/territorial unit governed by a monarch
Sphere, domain, or area
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Association
Usually with monarchial systems
Broader contexts beyond just monarchies
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Limitations
Specifically implies a system with a monarch
No specific governing system implied
William
Sep 30, 2023
Kingdom vs. Realm Definitions
◉Kingdom
A place or sphere in which something is dominant.
The open seas were his kingdom.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Realm
A field or domain of activity or interest.
He's an expert in the realm of computer science.
Jonathan
Sep 30, 2023
◉Kingdom
A country with a king or queen as its head.
The Kingdom of Denmark has a rich history.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
◉Realm
A region within which something or someone is dominant.
In the realm of politics, he's a rising star.
Lucas
Sep 30, 2023
◉Realm
The region or sphere of an activity or domain.
They ventured into the realm of speculative fiction.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
◉Kingdom
A realm or sphere in which one thing is dominant
the kingdom of the imagination.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
In the Linnean taxonomic system, the highest taxonomic category into which organisms are grouped, based on fundamental similarities and common ancestry. One widely used taxonomic system designates five or six such groups
animals, plants, fungi, protists, and prokaryotes (often divided into bacteria and archaea). Other systems divide organisms into domains (eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea) that replace or rank above kingdoms.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
One of the three main divisions (animal, vegetable, and mineral) into which natural organisms and objects have traditionally been classified.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
A realm having a king and/or queen as its actual or nominal sovereign.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
A realm, region, or conceptual space where something is dominant.
the kingdom of thought
the kingdom of the dead
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Realm
A territory or state, as ruled by a specific power, especially by a king.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
(taxonomy) A rank in the classification of organisms, below domain and above phylum; a taxon at that rank (e.g. the plant kingdom, the animal kingdom).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Realm
An otherworldly dimension or domain — magical, ethereal, or otherwise — usually ruled or created by a mystical character.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
The rank, quality, state, or attributes of a king; royal authority; sovereign power; rule; dominion; monarchy.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
When Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
The territory or country subject to a king or queen; the dominion of a monarch; the sphere in which one is king or has control.
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.
You're welcome,Most learned reverend sir, into our kingdom.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Realm
A royal jurisdiction or domain; a region which is under the dominion of a king; a kingdom.
The absolute master of realms on which the sun perpetually shone.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
An extensive scientific division distinguished by leading or ruling characteristics; a principal division; a department; as, the mineral kingdom. In modern biology, the division of life into five kingdoms is widely used for classification.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Realm
Hence, in general, province; region; country; domain; department; division; as, the realm of fancy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
a domain in which something is dominant;
the untroubled kingdom of reason
a land of make-believe
the rise of the realm of cotton in the south
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Realm
a domain in which something is dominant;
the untroubled kingdom of reason
a land of make-believe
the rise of the realm of cotton in the south
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Realm
a knowledge domain that you are interested in or are communicating about;
it was a limited domain of discourse
here we enter the region of opinion
the realm of the occult
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Realm
A conceptual area or sphere.
The idea was outside the realm of possibility.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
◉Kingdom
one of seven biological categories: Monera or Protoctista or Plantae or Fungi or Animalia
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kingdom
The domain of a monarch or royal family.
The entire kingdom mourned the death of the king.
Nolan
Sep 30, 2023
◉Kingdom
A realm associated with or regarded as being under the control of a particular person or thing.
The animal kingdom is vast and diverse.
Jonathan
Sep 30, 2023
◉Kingdom
In biology, a classification of living organisms.
Fungi belong to a separate kingdom in taxonomy.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Kingdom vs. Realm Frequently Asked Questions
Can realm mean the same as kingdom?
Yes, in some contexts, realm can denote a kingdom, but it's a broader term.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Which word is more specific in terms of governance?
Kingdom is more specific, often denoting a monarchial system.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is realm always political in nature?
No, realm can refer to any sphere, domain, or field, not necessarily political.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Does every kingdom qualify as a realm?
Yes, every kingdom is a type of realm, but the reverse isn't always true.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Can kingdom refer to categories beyond political entities?
Yes, for instance, in biology, organisms are classified into different kingdoms.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Is it correct to say "realm of a king"?
Yes, it's correct and means the territory or domain under a king's influence.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
What's a primary characteristic of a kingdom?
A kingdom typically has a king or queen as its head.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Which word is older in origin, kingdom or realm?
Both words have ancient origins, but "kingdom" derives from Old English while "realm" comes from Old French.
William
Sep 30, 2023
In fantasy literature, are the terms used differently?
Both can denote territories overseen by rulers, but "realm" might also encompass broader, more abstract territories.
William
Sep 30, 2023
Can the word realm be used in abstract contexts?
Yes, phrases like "realm of imagination" showcase its abstract usage.
William
Sep 30, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
