Realm vs. Kingdom: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A "realm" is a domain or area, often used figuratively or in broader contexts, while a "kingdom" specifically refers to a political state ruled by a king or queen.
Key Differences
"Realm" is a versatile term that can refer to any domain or area, be it physical, intellectual, or spiritual. It encompasses various fields and disciplines, often extending beyond physical territories. In contrast, "kingdom" specifically denotes a political or geographical area ruled by a monarch. The term is more restricted in scope, primarily used in historical or governmental contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
The realm can symbolize abstract concepts or ideas, like the realm of fantasy or the realm of science, highlighting its use in diverse contexts. Kingdoms, however, are tangible entities with defined borders, governed by laws and often having a historical lineage of rulers, emphasizing their concrete and political nature.
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Nov 20, 2023
In literature and conversation, "realm" is frequently used metaphorically to describe areas of expertise or interest, such as the realm of mathematics. "Kingdom," however, rarely strays from its traditional meaning, maintaining its association with monarchical states and governance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
"Realm" often carries a more neutral connotation, not necessarily implying governance or control. It's more about the scope or area of something. Conversely, "kingdom" inherently suggests a form of governance, control, and hierarchical structure under a king or queen.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
In summary, while "realm" has a broader and more flexible usage, applicable in various contexts, "kingdom" is more specific, generally used in historical, political, or geographical discussions about areas ruled by monarchs.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
A domain or area, often used figuratively.
A political state ruled by a monarch.
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Nov 20, 2023
Usage
Broad and versatile, including abstract concepts.
Specific to political and historical contexts.
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Nov 20, 2023
Connotation
Neutral, emphasizing scope or area.
Suggests governance and hierarchical structure.
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Nov 20, 2023
Associated with
Fields, disciplines, ideas.
Concrete geographical areas with historical lineage.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Realm and Kingdom Definitions
Realm
A field or domain of activity or interest.
In the realm of science, new discoveries are constantly made.
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Nov 20, 2023
Kingdom
An area or sphere in which one holds a preeminent position.
In the kingdom of fashion, trends change rapidly.
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Nov 20, 2023
Realm
A nature or kingdom of something abstract.
Her thoughts wandered into the realm of possibility.
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Nov 20, 2023
Kingdom
A realm associated with or regarded as being under the control of a particular person or thing.
In the animal kingdom, survival is the primary concern.
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Nov 20, 2023
Realm
A region or sphere, as of knowledge or activity.
They delved into the realm of artificial intelligence.
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Kingdom
A country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen.
The kingdom prospered under her reign.
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Nov 20, 2023
Realm
Used to describe a particular environment or walk of life.
In the realm of politics, experience is invaluable.
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Nov 20, 2023
Kingdom
The highest classification in taxonomy; a large category in biological classification.
Fungi constitute a kingdom in the classification of organisms.
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Nov 20, 2023
Realm
A kingdom or domain under a sovereign.
He ruled over his realm with justice and wisdom.
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Nov 20, 2023
Kingdom
A realm or sphere in which one thing is dominant
The kingdom of the imagination.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Kingdom
One of the three main divisions (animal, vegetable, and mineral) into which natural organisms and objects have traditionally been classified.
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Oct 19, 2023
Realm
A territory or state, as ruled by a specific power, especially by a king.
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Oct 19, 2023
Kingdom
A realm having a king and/or queen as its actual or nominal sovereign.
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Oct 19, 2023
Realm
An otherworldly dimension or domain — magical, ethereal, or otherwise — usually ruled or created by a mystical character.
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Oct 19, 2023
Kingdom
A realm, region, or conceptual space where something is dominant.
The kingdom of thought
The kingdom of the dead
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Oct 19, 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).
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Realm
Hence, in general, province; region; country; domain; department; division; as, the realm of fancy.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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
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Oct 19, 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
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Oct 19, 2023
Kingdom
One of seven biological categories: Monera or Protoctista or Plantae or Fungi or Animalia
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Oct 19, 2023
Kingdom
A realm characterized by a particular quality or attribute.
In the kingdom of dreams, anything is possible.
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Nov 20, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does "kingdom" always involve a monarch?
Traditionally, yes. "Kingdom" implies a political state ruled by a king or queen.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "realm" be used in scientific contexts?
Yes, it's often used to refer to areas of scientific study.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is "kingdom" used in biology?
Yes, it refers to the highest classification in biological taxonomy.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "realm" imply governance?
Not necessarily; it's more about the scope or area than control.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "realm" refer to an area of expertise?
Absolutely, it's frequently used to describe fields of knowledge or interest.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "realm" used in literature?
Yes, often metaphorically to describe various scenarios or environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "kingdom" limited to human governance?
No, it can refer to any area regarded as under someone's rule.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "realm" always a physical place?
No, "realm" can also refer to abstract concepts or fields of study.
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Nov 20, 2023
Does "realm" have a historical context?
Less so than "kingdom"; it's more versatile in usage.
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Nov 20, 2023
How is "kingdom" used in fantasy literature?
Often to describe imaginary lands with monarchal rule.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is "kingdom" a formal term?
Generally, yes, especially in historical and biological contexts.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can "kingdom" be metaphorical?
Rarely, it's mostly used in literal or biological contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "kingdom" a modern political term?
It's more historical, but still used to describe existing monarchies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "realm" a common term in everyday language?
Yes, particularly when referring to areas of interest or expertise.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "kingdom" always have clear borders?
In political terms, yes. In biology, it's more about classification.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "realm" imply a spiritual domain?
Yes, it's used for spiritual, intellectual, or emotional domains.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can "realm" be used in political discourse?
Yes, but more as a metaphor for areas of influence or concern.
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Nov 20, 2023
Does "kingdom" have different meanings in different cultures?
The basic concept is similar, but historical and cultural contexts can vary.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "kingdom" refer to non-physical domains?
Not typically, it's usually physical or biological.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can "realm" denote a mental or psychological area?
Yes, it's used to describe mental or emotional spheres.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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