potentate
UK: /ˈpəʊ.tən.teɪt/ | US: /ˈpoʊ.t̬ən.teɪt/
n. a ruler with significant power, especially a monarch or dictator
n. (historical) a sovereign or monarch with absolute authority
potentate = potent<powerful> + ate<noun suffix indicating agent or office>
- potent: From Latin potent- (stem of potēns), meaning "powerful" or "able," derived from posse ("to be able").
- ate: A suffix of Latin origin (-atus), often used to form nouns denoting status, office, or function (e.g., "magistrate," "directorate").
Etymology Origin:
The word "potentate" emerged in Late Middle English (15th century) via Old French potentat, from Latin potentatus ("power, dominion"). It combines potent- (power) with -ate, a suffix marking authority or role. The term originally described rulers with near-divine power, reflecting the absolute authority of monarchs in medieval Europe. Over time, it broadened to include any autocratic leader, often with a slightly archaic or formal tone.
The ancient potentate ruled his kingdom with an iron fist.
European explorers often sought alliances with local potentates during colonial expansion.
The novel depicts a fictional potentate who hoards wealth while his people starve.
In history class, we studied how potentates wielded unchecked power before democratic reforms.
The treaty was signed by the potentate and his neighboring counterparts.