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Potentate: meaning, definitions and examples

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potentate

 

[ หˆpลtษ™nหŒtฤt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political power

A potentate is a person who possesses great power, authority, or influence, especially in a monarchy or similar system of governance. This term is often used to describe a ruler, king, or emperor whose decisions and actions greatly impact their subjects' lives. Potentates can be absolute rulers or simply have significant sway in political matters. The term denotes not only formal leadership but also the influence that might extend beyond official titles, especially in areas such as religion or military. History shows that potentates could wield tremendous control over their realm based on tradition, lineage, or military strength.

Synonyms

autocrat, despot, monarch, ruler, sovereign

Examples of usage

  • The potentate ruled the land with an iron fist.
  • In ancient times, a potentate could command vast armies.
  • Many stories glorify the life of the potentate and his conquests.
  • The potentate held a lavish court, attracting visitors from every region.

Translations

Translations of the word "potentate" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น potentado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเค•เฅเคคเคฟเคถเคพเคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mรคchtiger

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penguasa

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะปะฐะดะธะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ potentat

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆจฉๅŠ›่€…

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท potentat

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ potentado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรผรง sahibi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ถŒ๋ ฅ์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ูˆูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ potentรกt

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ potentรกt

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ปŸๆฒป่€…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ potentat

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ valdhafi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะธะปั–ะบ ะธะตัั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒขแƒ”แƒœแƒขแƒแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ potentat

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ potentado

Word origin

The word 'potentate' has its origins in the Latin word 'potens', which means 'powerful' or 'able'. This Latin root evolved into the Old French term 'potentat', which maintained a similar meaning. The term made its way into the English language during the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century. Initially, it was used to refer specifically to rulers with significant power and authority, especially in monarchies or dynastic states. Over time, 'potentate' has taken on broader connotations and occasionally carries a somewhat negative implication, suggesting tyrannical or unjust rule. The usage of the term often appears in historical writings, narrating the tales of monarchs and rulers whose legacies shaped the political landscapes of their eras.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,187, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.