Dynastic

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /daɪˈnæstɪk/

Definitions

1. relating to a sequence of rulers from the same family or their period of rule
2. pertaining to a hereditary line of monarchs or the continuity of power within a single family
3. of or belonging to a succession of leaders descended from a common ancestor who maintain authority

Etymology: Ancient Greek "dunasteia" meant lordship or power, and the adjective "dunastikos" was built from "dunastes", a powerful person or ruler. The root "dunamis" means power or ability, which also gives English words like "dynamic" and "dynamite". So the family of "dynastic" is essentially a family of power words, with the sense of ruling families coming from the idea of those who hold power passing it along. In English, "dynastic" is formed from "dynasty", which came into the language from Latin "dynastia" and Greek roots, plus the adjective-forming suffix "-ic". The adjective describes anything relating to a line of hereditary rulers, such as a dynastic marriage or a dynastic struggle. The OED records the word as an adjective and noun, with the adjective sense being the one most people use today.

Synonyms: hereditary, royal

Antonyms: non-hereditary