Viscount vs. Count: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Viscount is a noble rank below an earl and above a baron, while a count is a noble equivalent to an earl in countries without viscounts.
Key Differences
Viscount and Count are titles of nobility with hierarchical distinctions. A Viscount is considered a rank below an Earl and above a Baron, traditionally a deputy to a Count. The term originates from the Latin "vicecomes," denoting a deputy or vice to a count. In contrast, a Count is a noble title equivalent to an Earl in the United Kingdom, ranking above a Viscount. The title of Count is used in various European countries and signifies a ruler or a nobleman equivalent to a British Earl.
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Nov 08, 2023
In the British peerage system, a Viscount holds a hereditary title, whereas a Count might not necessarily adhere to hereditary succession in all European traditions. For example, a Viscount is the fourth rank in the British peerage, whereas a Count, particularly in non-English speaking countries, might be a title granted by the monarch or assumed by a noble family.
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The duties and privileges associated with being a Viscount or a Count have historically varied by country. A Viscount often had judicial and administrative responsibilities, whereas a Count typically had authority over a larger territory or county. Today, these roles are largely ceremonial.
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The social status of a Viscount and a Count can vary significantly depending on the country. In the UK, Viscounts are part of the peerage, with social privileges and often a seat in the House of Lords historically. On the other hand, Counts, when the title is used outside of the UK, often have equivalent social status to an Earl and have varying degrees of social privileges depending on the country's laws and customs.
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Nov 08, 2023
While both Viscount and Count are titles of nobility, the significance and function have evolved over time. Today, the titles are more ceremonial and often carry more social prestige than administrative power. Viscounts and Counts both have historical roots in feudal systems where land ownership and protection were paramount.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Origin
From "vicecomes," deputy to count.
From "comes," ruler of a territory.
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Viscount and Count Definitions
Viscount
Viscount denotes a deputy to a count in historical feudal systems.
The Viscount managed the count's affairs in his absence.
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Count
A Count is a European noble rank equivalent to a British earl.
The Count of Monte Cristo is a famous literary character.
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Viscount
A Viscount is a noble rank in British and other peerages.
The Viscount of Brompton attended the royal wedding.
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Count
Count is a title denoting a nobleman with authority over a region.
The Count ruled his land with a fair and just hand.
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Viscount
A Viscount is a hereditary title in many European countries.
The title of Viscount has been in his family for generations.
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Count
The wife of a Count is known as a Countess.
The Count and Countess celebrated their silver anniversary.
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Viscount
Viscount can also refer to the husband of a Viscountess.
The Viscount and Viscountess hosted a splendid ball.
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Count
To name or list (the units of a group or collection) one by one in order to determine a total; number.
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Viscount
In certain countries, Viscount is a courtesy title for the heir of an earl.
The Viscount is being groomed to one day become the Earl.
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Count
To recite numerals in ascending order up to and including
Count three before firing.
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Count
To include in a reckoning; take account of
Ten dogs, counting the puppies.
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Viscount
(entomology) Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Tanaecia. Other butterflies in this genus are called earls and counts.
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Viscount
An officer who formerly supplied the place of the count, or earl; the sheriff of the county.
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Count
To recite or list numbers in order or enumerate items by units or groups
Counted by tens.
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Count
To have a specified importance or value
Their opinions count for little. Each basket counts for two points.
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Count
The totality of specific items in a particular sample
A white blood cell count.
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Count
(Law) Any of the separate and distinct charges or causes of action in an indictment or complaint.
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Count
(Sports) The counting from one to ten seconds, during which time a boxer who has been knocked down must rise or be declared the loser.
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Count
(Baseball) The number of balls and strikes that an umpire has called against a batter.
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Count
(transitive) To determine the number of (objects in a group).
Count the number of apples in the bag and write down the number on the spreadsheet.
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Count
(intransitive) To be of significance; to matter.
Your views don’t count here.
It does count if you cheat with someone when you’re drunk.
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Count
(intransitive) To be an example of something: often followed by as and an indefinite noun.
Apples count as a type of fruit.
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Count
(transitive) To consider something as an example of something or as having some quality; to account, to regard as.
He counts himself a hero after saving the cat from the river.
I count you as more than a friend.
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Count
(transitive) To reckon in, to include in consideration.
They walked for three days, not counting the time spent resting.
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Count
The act of counting or tallying a quantity.
Give the chairs a quick count to check if we have enough.
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Count
The result of a tally that reveals the number of items in a set; a quantity counted.
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Count
(baseball) The number of balls and strikes, respectively, on a batter's in-progress plate appearance.
He has a 3–2 count with the bases loaded.
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Count
(entomology) Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Tanaecia. Other butterflies in this genus are called earls and viscounts.
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Count
To tell or name one by one, or by groups, for the purpose of ascertaining the whole number of units in a collection; to number; to enumerate; to compute; to reckon.
Who can count the dust of Jacob?
In a journey of forty miles, Avaux counted only three miserable cabins.
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Count
To place to an account; to ascribe or impute; to consider or esteem as belonging.
Abracham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
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Count
To esteem; to account; to reckon; to think, judge, or consider.
I count myself in nothing else so happyAs in a soul remembering my good friends.
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Count
To number or be counted; to possess value or carry weight; hence, to increase or add to the strength or influence of some party or interest; as, every vote counts; accidents count for nothing.
This excellent man . . . counted among the best and wisest of English statesmen.
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Count
To reckon; to rely; to depend; - with on or upon.
He was brewer to the palace; and it was apprehended that the government counted on his voice.
I think it a great error to count upon the genius of a nation as a standing argument in all ages.
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Count
The act of numbering; reckoning; also, the number ascertained by counting.
Of blessed saints for to increase the count.
By this count, I shall be much in years.
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Count
A formal statement of the plaintiff's case in court; in a more technical and correct sense, a particular allegation or charge in a declaration or indictment, separately setting forth the cause of action or prosecution.
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Count
A nobleman on the continent of Europe, equal in rank to an English earl.
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Count
A nobleman (in various countries) having rank equal to a British earl
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Count
Determine the number or amount of;
Can you count the books on your shelf?
Count your change
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Count
Show consideration for; take into account;
You must consider her age
The judge considered the offender's youth and was lenient
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Count
Put into a group;
The academy counts several Nobel Prize winners among its members
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Count
Include as if by counting;
I can count my colleagues in the opposition
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Count
Have faith or confidence in;
You can count on me to help you any time
Look to your friends for support
You can bet on that!
Depend on your family in times of crisis
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Count
Take account of;
You have to reckon with our opponents
Count on the monsoon
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Count
In some regions, Count is a hereditary title.
He inherited the title of Count from his father.
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Count
Count can refer to a ruler of a county or province historically.
The Count has issued a decree for the entire county.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a Viscount?
A Viscount is a rank in the British peerage between an earl and a baron.
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Nov 08, 2023
What is the definition of "Count"?
A count is a noble title, often ranking below a duke and above a viscount or baron, depending on the country's nobility system.
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Nov 08, 2023
What is the female equivalent of a count?
The female equivalent of a count is a countess.
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What is the female equivalent of a viscount?
The female equivalent of a viscount is a viscountess.
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How is a Count different from a Viscount?
A Count is generally considered equivalent to an Earl and ranks above a Viscount.
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Can a Viscount become an Earl?
Yes, if they inherit or are granted the higher title.
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What are the typical responsibilities or privileges of a count?
The responsibilities and privileges of a count can vary by country and era but often involve landownership, governance, and serving the ruling monarch.
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What is the definition of "Viscount"?
A viscount is a noble title in some countries, ranking below an earl or count and above a baron or baroness.
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Nov 08, 2023
In which countries is the title "Count" used?
The title "Count" is used in various countries, including European nations with historical noble traditions.
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Can a count hold other noble titles simultaneously?
Yes, a count may also hold other titles, such as a duke, marquis, or viscount, depending on the specific noble hierarchy in their country.
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Is "Count" typically a hereditary title?
Yes, the title of count is usually hereditary and passed down through generations.
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What are the responsibilities or privileges of a viscount?
The responsibilities and privileges of a viscount can vary depending on historical and cultural contexts, but they often include landownership and a role in local governance.
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What is the historical origin of the title "Count"?
The title "Count" has its roots in the Latin word "comes," meaning "companion" or "attendant," and historically referred to individuals who served as the companions or officials of rulers.
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In which countries is the title "Viscount" used?
The title "Viscount" is used in various countries with noble traditions, including the United Kingdom.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is "Viscount" a hereditary title?
Yes, in most cases, the title of viscount is hereditary, passed down through generations.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a viscount hold other noble titles concurrently?
Yes, a viscount can hold other titles, such as a baron, count, or duke, depending on their family's history and the specific title hierarchy of their country.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 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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