Potentate: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
potentate
[ หpลtษnหtฤt ]
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:
๐ต๐น potentado
๐ฎ๐ณ เคถเคเฅเคคเคฟเคถเคพเคฒเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Mรคchtiger
๐ฎ๐ฉ penguasa
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะปะฐะดะธะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ potentat
๐ฏ๐ต ๆจฉๅ่
๐ซ๐ท potentat
๐ช๐ธ potentado
๐น๐ท gรผรง sahibi
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ถ๋ ฅ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ููู
๐จ๐ฟ potentรกt
๐ธ๐ฐ potentรกt
๐จ๐ณ ็ปๆฒป่
๐ธ๐ฎ potentat
๐ฎ๐ธ valdhafi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะธะปัะบ ะธะตัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแแขแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ potentat
๐ฒ๐ฝ potentado
Etymology
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.
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- 26184 excrete
- 26185 slaked
- 26186 dirge
- 26187 potentate
- 26188 vindicating
- 26189 scandalized
- 26190 jumpers
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