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Loyal vs. Royal — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 16, 2023
Loyal" means being faithful or devoted; "Royal" relates to a king, queen, or monarchy. Both words share a similar sound but differ completely in meaning.
Loyal vs. Royal — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Loyal and Royal

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Key Differences

"Loyal" is an adjective that describes someone's quality of being faithful; it means having or showing complete and constant support for someone or something. It can be applied to a person who is loyal to friends, organizations, causes, or beliefs. "Royal," however, pertains to anything connected with a monarch or their family. It indicates a relation to a king, queen, or other sovereigns. It represents the status, actions, or things pertaining to monarchy.
In the concept of allegiance, being "loyal" signifies a sense of duty or fidelity to someone or something, like one's country, a cause, or another person. It's an emotional or moral commitment. Conversely, "royal" in the context of allegiance refers to the support or service given specifically to a royal family or a monarch. It's more about political or ceremonial adherence than an emotional commitment.
"Loyal" can also describe things, abstract or physical, that consistently perform or appear in a way that someone can depend on. For instance, a loyal car is one that always works as expected. "Royal," however, doesn't have such metaphorical uses. Its meanings are more literal and always connected to actual royalty or things pertaining to them, such as royal decrees or royal palaces.
The usage of "loyal" often comes with a positive connotation, praising someone’s steadfastness and reliability. It's a character trait often lauded and desired in many social contexts. On the other hand, "royal" is more neutral and descriptive, simply denoting something related to a monarchy, though it can carry connotations of grandeur, luxury, or high social status.
Finally, "loyal" is used in various idioms and sayings, like "loyal to a fault," signifying someone who remains loyal, even to one's detriment. "Royal," meanwhile, appears in expressions like "royal treatment" or "royal mess," usually exaggerating the scale or quality of something, reflecting monarchy’s association with extremity and opulence.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Faithfulness, devotion
Related to monarchy

Connotation

Positive, shows integrity
Neutral, descriptive, can imply grandeur

Context of Use

Emotional, moral commitment
Political, ceremonial adherence

Application

People, concepts, dependable objects
Monarchy, associated traditions

Idiomatic Use

"Loyal to a fault," commitment
"Royal treatment," grandeur

Compare with Definitions

Loyal

Showing unwavering allegiance.
She remained loyal to her country.

Royal

Of or relating to a king, queen, or other sovereign.
He had a royal lineage.

Loyal

Faithful to a cause, ideal, or custom.
He's been a loyal supporter of the movement.

Royal

Being in the crown's service.
The royal navy defends the nation's waters.

Loyal

Consistent in one's support.
She's been a loyal customer for years.

Royal

Suitable for a monarch; grand or stately.
They received a royal welcome.

Loyal

Reliable during difficult times.
The loyal dog stayed beside its sick owner.

Royal

Established or chartered by a monarch.
The Royal Academy of Arts hosts exceptional talents.

Loyal

Steadfast in allegiance to one's homeland, government, or sovereign.

Royal

Having the status of a king or queen or a member of their family
Contributors included members of the royal family

Loyal

Faithful to a person, ideal, custom, cause, or duty.

Royal

A member of the royal family
The royals are coming under the TV microscope

Loyal

Of, relating to, or marked by loyalty
Thanked the voters for their loyal support.

Royal

Short for royal sail or royal mast

Loyal

Having or demonstrating undivided and constant support for someone or something.
Dogs are very loyal animals, which is why they make wonderful pets.
George is a loyal and loving husband.

Royal

Short for royal stag

Loyal

Firm in allegiance to a person or institution.

Royal

A paper size, 636 × 480 mm.

Loyal

Faithful to a person or cause.
We must remain loyal to the mission.

Royal

A system of change-ringing using ten bells.

Loyal

Faithful to law; upholding the lawful authority; faithful and true to the lawful government; faithful to the prince or sovereign to whom one is subject; unswerving in allegiance.
Welcome, sir John ! But why come you in arms ? - To help King Edward in his time of storm,As every loyal subject ought to do.

Royal

Of or relating to a monarch.

Loyal

True to any person or persons to whom one owes fidelity, especially as a wife to her husband, lovers to each other, and friend to friend; constant; faithful to a cause or a principle.
Your true and loyal wife.
Unhappy both, but loyaltheir loves.

Royal

Of the rank of a monarch.

Loyal

Steadfast in allegiance or duty;
Loyal subjects
Loyal friends stood by him

Royal

Of, relating to, or in the service of a kingdom.

Loyal

Inspired by love for your country

Royal

Issued or performed by a monarch
A royal warrant.
A royal visit.

Loyal

Unwavering in devotion to friend or vow or cause;
A firm ally
Loyal supporters
The true-hearted soldier...of Tippecanoe
Fast friends

Royal

Founded, chartered, or authorized by a monarch
A royal society of musicians.

Loyal

Steadfast in affection or allegiance.
Loyal friends stood by him during tough times.

Royal

Befitting royalty; stately
Royal treatment.

Royal

Superior, as in size or quality.

Royal

Used as an intensive
"It would be a first-class royal mess" (Sam Nunn).

Royal

(Informal) A member of a monarch's family
"Among the resort's distinguished visitors are Swedish and Spanish royals" (Alistair Scott).

Royal

(Nautical) A sail set on the royalmast.

Royal

A paper size, 20 by 25 inches for printing, 19 by 24 inches for writing.

Royal

Of or relating to a monarch or their family.

Royal

Having the air or demeanour of a monarch; illustrious; magnanimous; of more than common size or excellence.

Royal

(nautical) In large sailing ships, of a mast right above the topgallant mast and its sails.
Royal mast;
Royal sail

Royal

Free-for-all, especially involving multiple combatants.

Royal

(informal) Used as an intensifier.
A royal pain in the neck

Royal

A royal person; a member of a royal family.

Royal

A standard size of printing paper, measuring 25 by 20 inches.

Royal

(paper) A standard size of writing paper, measuring 24 by 19 inches.

Royal

(dated) The Australian decimal currency intended to replace the pound in 1966; was changed to "dollar" before it was actually circulated.

Royal

Any of various lycaenid butterflies.

Royal

The fourth tine of an antler's beam.

Royal

A stag with twelve points (six on each antler).

Royal

In large sailing ships, square sail over the topgallant sail.

Royal

An old English gold coin, the rial.

Royal

(military) A small mortar.

Royal

(card games) In auction bridge, a royal spade.

Royal

A tuft of beard on the lower lip.

Royal

(campanology) Bell changes rung on ten bells.

Royal

Kingly; pertaining to the crown or the sovereign; suitable for a king or queen; regal; as, royal power or prerogative; royal domains; the royal family; royal state.

Royal

Noble; generous; magnificent; princely.
How doth that royal merchant, good Antonio?

Royal

Under the patronage of royality; holding a charter granted by the sovereign; as, the Royal Academy of Arts; the Royal Society.

Royal

A small sail immediately above the topgallant sail.

Royal

One of the upper or distal branches of an antler, as the third and fourth tynes of the antlers of a stag.

Royal

A small mortar.

Royal

One of the soldiers of the first regiment of foot of the British army, formerly called the Royals, and supposed to be the oldest regular corps in Europe; - now called the Royal Scots.

Royal

An old English coin. See Rial.

Royal

A royal spade.

Royal

A sail set next above the topgallant on a royal mast

Royal

Stag with antlers of 12 or more branches

Royal

Of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch;
The royal party
The royal crest
By royal decree
A royal visit

Royal

Established or chartered or authorized by royalty;
The Royal Society

Royal

Being of the rank of a monarch;
Of royal ancestry
Princes of the blood royal

Royal

Belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler;
Golden age of imperial splendor
Purple tyrant
Regal attire
Treated with royal acclaim
The royal carriage of a stag's head

Royal

Invested with royal power as symbolized by a crown;
The royal (or crowned) heads of Europe

Royal

Having an impressive magnitude or quality.
She made a royal mess of things.

Common Curiosities

What are synonyms for loyal?

Faithful, devoted, steadfast, and true are synonyms.

Can an event be described as royal?

Yes, if it's officially related to or endorsed by the monarchy.

What are examples of royal entities?

Royal families, royal decrees, and royal institutions are examples.

What does royal mean?

Royal means relating to or associated with a monarch or monarchy.

Can loyal refer to objects?

Yes, loyal can metaphorically refer to reliable objects or concepts.

What's a loyal opposition?

It's a political party opposition that remains loyal to the overarching government.

What does loyal mean?

Loyal means showing complete and constant support for someone or something.

Does loyal imply longevity?

Often, as it suggests consistent support over time.

Are all royal-related terms outdated?

No, many are still in use, especially in monarchies.

Why are loyal customers valuable?

They provide consistent support, trust, and often, word-of-mouth promotion.

Are there negative connotations to royal?

It's neutral, but may imply extravagance or privilege, which can be negative.

Can a business be loyal?

Metaphorically, yes, if it consistently serves its customers' interests.

Can someone be too loyal?

Yes, if their loyalty prevents them from seeing flaws or wrongdoing.

What is a royal warrant?

It's a recognition for individuals or companies who've supplied goods or services to a royal court.

Is royal used in non-monarchical contexts?

Yes, sometimes to convey grandeur, quality, or scale in various expressions.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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