Masculine:
* Emperor: This is the most common term for a male ruler of an empire.
* King: While "king" generally refers to the ruler of a kingdom, it can be used for an emperor in some contexts, particularly in older or historical settings.
* Monarch: This term encompasses any sovereign ruler, regardless of gender, but it is often associated with male rulers.
Feminine:
* Empress: This is the feminine equivalent of "emperor." It refers to a female ruler of an empire.
* Queen: Similar to "king," "queen" is primarily for a female ruler of a kingdom, but can be applied to an empress in certain historical contexts.
* Monarch: As mentioned earlier, "monarch" is gender-neutral, and can be used for an empress.
Gender-Neutral:
* Sovereign: This term is gender-neutral and refers to any supreme ruler.
* Ruler: This is also gender-neutral and can be used for any person who holds power and authority over a region or people.
Important Considerations:
* Historical Context: The specific titles used in the past might vary depending on the culture and time period.
* Modern Usage: In modern times, "emperor" and "empress" are less commonly used, with "ruler," "sovereign," or "monarch" preferred for gender-neutral language.
Examples:
* Emperor Augustus: Roman emperor.
* Empress Wu Zetian: Chinese empress.
* Queen Victoria: Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India.
* The Sovereign of the Realm: A gender-neutral title for a monarch.
Remember, language is constantly evolving, and the most appropriate term to use may depend on the specific context and your preferred style.