Reigning vs. Reining — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 6, 2024
Reigning refers to holding royal office or rule, whereas reining involves controlling or guiding a horse.
Difference Between Reigning and Reining
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reigning is primarily associated with monarchs or sovereigns who hold royal authority and governance over a nation or territory. It signifies a period during which a ruler exercises sovereign power. Whereas reining is a term used in equestrian contexts, referring to the act of controlling a horse by pulling on its reins, which are the straps attached to its headgear.
Reigning involves the exercise of high authority and leadership, often in a symbolic or actual capacity over a domain. This can encompass political, cultural, and social influence. On the other hand, reining is a skillful practice, requiring a precise balance of force and gentleness to guide and manage a horse’s movements and behavior.
In a figurative sense, reigning can also describe someone at the top of their field or profession, recognized for their dominance or superiority in a specific area. While, reining, beyond its literal equestrian usage, can metaphorically apply to the act of holding back, controlling, or moderating something or someone.
The term reigning is used to describe the current holder of a title or position, particularly in sports or competitions, indicating they have not been superseded or defeated. Conversely, reining, while less commonly used metaphorically, suggests an active effort to maintain control or direction, often requiring skill and practice.
The context in which reigning and reining are used clearly delineates their meanings: reigning belongs to the realms of royalty, leadership, and achievement, whereas reining is firmly rooted in the world of horsemanship and control dynamics, extending metaphorically to disciplines and self-control.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Holding royal authority; being the current champion or leader.
Controlling a horse with the reins; holding back or guiding.
Context
Royalty, leadership, competition.
Equestrianism, control, discipline.
Literal use
Describes a sovereign’s rule or a champion’s current status.
Involves the act of guiding a horse by pulling on its reins.
Figurative meaning
Being dominant in a particular field or area.
Exercising control or moderation over something or someone.
Required skillset
Leadership, governance, charisma.
Horsemanship, balance, precision.
Compare with Definitions
Reigning
Holding a position of prominence or superiority in a specific area.
As the reigning fashion icon, her style choices influence trends worldwide.
Reining
The action of controlling a horse by pulling on its reins.
She was reining in her horse as they approached the crowded market area.
Reigning
Holding supreme office or authority, especially in a monarchical context.
Queen Elizabeth II was reigning over the United Kingdom for over six decades.
Reining
Guiding or directing something, often with skill and care.
The project manager was reining the team towards completing the project on time.
Reigning
Being the most recent winner of a title or honor.
The reigning Miss Universe was advocating for global environmental awareness.
Reining
Exercising restraint or control over someone or something.
He's been reining in his spending to save for a new car.
Reigning
Exercising control or influence in a particular sphere.
He is reigning supreme in the world of chess, having won multiple international competitions.
Reining
Managing or controlling a situation with precision.
The diplomat was reining in the negotiations to avoid conflict.
Reigning
Being the current champion in a sport or other competition.
The reigning champions were preparing to defend their title in the upcoming tournament.
Reining
Holding back from excess or extremes.
She’s reining in her impulses to buy every book she likes.
Reigning
Exercise of sovereign power, as by a monarch.
Reining
Reining is a western riding competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. Reining is also considered to be a lot like figure skating.
Reigning
The period during which a monarch rules.
Reining
Either of two long narrow straps attached to each end of the bit of a bridle and used by a rider or driver to control a horse or other animal
The left rein slipped out of the driver's hands. The rider pulled on the reins, and the horse began to slow down.
Reigning
Dominance or widespread influence
The reign of reason.
Reining
A means of restraining or checking
Kept a tight rein on expenditures.
Reigning
To exercise sovereign power
Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901.
Reining
Often reins A means of controlling or directing
The reins of government.
Reigning
To hold the title of monarch, but with limited authority.
Reining
To check or hold back by the use of reins. Often used with in or up
Reined in the horse.
Reigning
To be predominant or prevalent
Panic reigned as the fire spread.
Reining
To restrain or control. Often used with in
"a team of strong personalities who would test the limits of prudence unless kept firmly reined in" (Tim Zimmermann).
Reigning
Currently ruling or holding a position.
The reigning world heavyweight champion said he'd defend his title once more and then retire even if he won.
Reining
To control a horse, for example, with reins. Often used with in or up.
Reigning
Present participle of reign
Reining
Present participle of rein
Reigning
Exercising power or authority
Common Curiosities
Can "reigning" be used outside of royalty?
Yes, it can describe someone dominant in their field or the current champion in sports.
What does "reining" involve?
Reining involves controlling or guiding, especially a horse, using the reins.
Is "reining" only about horses?
Primarily, yes, but it also metaphorically means holding back or controlling a situation.
How do "reigning" and "reining" differ in context?
Reigning is about authority or superiority, while reining is about control or guidance.
What does "reigning" mean?
Reigning refers to holding royal office, being the current champion, or dominating a field.
Does "reining" require specific skills?
Yes, especially in horsemanship, it requires balance, precision, and skillful control.
Can "reining" skills be applied beyond equestrianism?
Figuratively, yes, in managing, guiding, or controlling situations or behaviors effectively.
Is "reigning" a positive term?
Generally, yes, as it denotes superiority, leadership, or championship.
Is "reining" ever used figuratively?
Yes, to describe controlling or moderating anything, not just horses.
How do history and culture influence the use of "reigning"?
Historical and cultural contexts can highlight its use in describing leadership and dominance.
Can "reigning" imply leadership?
Yes, it often implies a form of leadership, governance, or prominence in a sphere.
Can "reining" have negative connotations?
It can be neutral or positive, depending on context, emphasizing control or moderation.
How are "reigning" and "reining" similar?
Both can imply a form of control or dominance, albeit in very different contexts.
Can someone be "reigning" in a non-competitive sense?
Yes, in terms of influence or prominence in a particular area or field.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
