Captained: meaning, definitions and examples
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captained
[ ˈkæptɪnd ]
leadership role
Captained is the past tense of captain, which means to lead a team, especially in sports. It refers to the action of guiding and directing a group towards a common goal, often taking on responsibility for the team's performance.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She captained the soccer team to victory.
- He captained the ship through treacherous waters.
- They were proud of how she captained her debate team.
- He was honored to have captained his country in the finals.
Etymology
The word 'captain' originates from the Latin term 'capitānem', which means 'chief' or 'leader'. This term was derived from 'caput', meaning 'head'. The use of 'captain' in English dates back to the 14th century, primarily associated with military leaders and naval commanders. The verb form 'captain' came to signify the act of leading or being in charge of a team or crew, particularly in sporting contexts. As it evolved, 'captained' emerged as the simple past tense of 'captain', emphasizing the role of leadership in various fields, from sports to navigation and military operations. This historical evolution highlights the progression from a general term of authority to its modern applications in various disciplines.