your highness

USAGE SUMMARY

"your highness" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
This phrase is generally used as a formal and respectful address to someone of high standing, such as a monarch or royal family member. For example, "We are deeply honored by your presence, your highness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He encouraged lofty new forms of address for example, "your highness" or "your majesty," instead of "my lord".

Encyclopedia Britannica

You can also ask Siri to call you anything, such as "your highness," and ask it more about itself.

WikiHow

Yes, Your Highness.

The Guardian

LABOURER: Railway, your highness.

The Guardian - Sport

To come fetch you, Your Highness?

The New Yorker

Dear Prince Nelson: Hey Your Highness!!!!

The New Yorker

"GREETINGS, Your Highness," the message began.

The New York Times

Do some deals, your highness, and keep on smiling.

The New York Times

(He could easily have been in Your Highness).

The Guardian - Film

"I think I called her 'Your Highness,' " she said.

The New York Times

10 "The royal penis is clean, your highness".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing royalty, confirm the correct form of address as protocol varies by country and rank. "Your highness" is generally for princes or princesses.

Common error

Avoid using "your highness" in overly casual settings, as it can sound sarcastic or out of place. Reserve it for formal occasions or when intentionally being humorous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "your highness" primarily functions as a title of address, used to formally greet or refer to a royal personage, such as a prince or princess. Ludwig indicates its common usage in both formal and, sometimes, sarcastic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "your highness" is a formal title used to address members of royalty, primarily princes and princesses. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used. While primarily employed in formal contexts to show respect, it can also be used sarcastically or humorously in informal settings. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context and the intended effect. Alternatives such as "your majesty" and your grace may be appropriate depending on the rank of the person being addressed. Understanding the nuances of its usage ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

your majesty

Refers to a higher rank than "your highness", typically used for a king or queen.

your grace

A title used to address dukes, duchesses, and archbishops.

your lordship

A title used to address a lord.

your excellency

A title used to address ambassadors and high-ranking officials.

your eminence

A title used to address cardinals in the Catholic Church.

oh great one

A more informal and often humorous way to address someone in a position of power.

my liege

A more archaic term for addressing a feudal superior.

sire

An archaic term of respectful address, especially to a king.

madam

A respectful form of address for a woman of high status, although less specific than "your highness".

master

An archaic term of respectful address.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the term "your highness"?

The term "your highness" is appropriate when directly addressing a prince, princess, or other member of a royal family who holds that specific title. It can also be used sarcastically in informal settings.

What is the difference between "your highness" and "your majesty"?

"Your highness" is used for princes and princesses, while "your majesty" is reserved for kings, queens, emperors, and empresses. The latter denotes a higher rank.

Can I use "your highness" in a business setting?

Generally, "your highness" is not appropriate in a business setting unless you are directly addressing a member of a royal family in a formal context. Using "your excellency" might be more suitable for addressing high-ranking officials.

What are some alternative phrases to "your highness" that I can use in a playful or sarcastic way?

If you're aiming for a humorous effect, consider using phrases like "oh great one", or "your grace". However, be mindful of your audience and the context to avoid causing offense.