Highness
/ˈhaɪnəs/noun
The quality or state of being high, elevated, or of exalted rank, especially royal rank.
Did you know?The royal title “Your Highness” reflects an ancient political metaphor in which physical elevation represented superior power, sacred status, and closeness to the heavens.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kouk-
“High or elevated; the reconstructed root associated with Germanic words for height.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hauhiz
“High, tall, or elevated.”
Old English
Old English
hēah
“High, lofty, tall, or exalted in rank.”
Middle English
Middle English
highnesse
“The state of being high; elevated position or dignity.”
Early Modern English
English
highness
“Exalted rank or dignity, increasingly used as a formal title for royalty.”
Modern English
English
highness
“High status, elevation, or the formal royal title used in “Your Highness.””