The full form of HM is Her Majesty, Her Majesty's, His Majesty, or His Majesty's.
The abbreviation "HM" is most often used in formal contexts, particularly when referring to a monarch. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Full Form | Usage |
---|---|
Her Majesty | Used to refer to a female monarch, such as a queen. |
Her Majesty's | Used when referring to something belonging to or associated with a queen. |
His Majesty | Used to refer to a male monarch, such as a king. |
His Majesty's | Used when referring to something belonging to or associated with a king. |
- Examples:
- "HM Queen Elizabeth II visited Canada." (Here, HM stands for Her Majesty).
- "The ship is part of HM's Navy." (Here, HM's stands for Her Majesty's).
- "HM King Charles III addressed the nation." (Here, HM stands for His Majesty).
- "The passport is issued by HM's Government." (Here, HM's stands for His Majesty's).
In essence, the context of the use of "HM" dictates whether it refers to a female or male monarch and whether it is possessive. The Britannica Dictionary confirms this usage of "HM".