laureate
UK: ˈlɒr.i.ət | US: ˈlɔːr.i.ət
n. A person honored with an award for outstanding achievement (e.g., Nobel laureate).
adj. Crowned or adorned with laurel as a mark of honor.
laureate = laure<laurel> + ate<adjective/noun suffix>
- laure (from Latin laurea, meaning "laurel wreath," a symbol of victory or distinction).
- ate (a suffix forming nouns/adjectives, often indicating status or function, from Latin -atus).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the ancient Roman tradition of crowning victors (e.g., poets, athletes, generals) with wreaths made from laurel leaves (Laurus nobilis). Over time, "laureate" evolved metaphorically to denote anyone honored for excellence, especially in academia or the arts. The suffix -ate formalizes the association with distinction.
She became a Nobel laureate for her groundbreaking research in physics.
The poet laureate composed a verse for the royal wedding.
His laureate status earned him invitations to speak worldwide.
The laureate’s name was engraved on the golden plaque.
In ancient Rome, a laureate crown symbolized supreme achievement.