proprietor
UK: /prəˈpraɪ.ə.tər/ | US: /prəˈpraɪ.ə.tər/
n. an owner of a business, property, or other asset
n. (historical) a holder of a proprietary colony or estate
proprietor = propri<one's own> + etor<agent suffix>
- propri (from Latin proprius, meaning "one's own, individual")
- etor (agentive suffix derived from Latin -ator, indicating a person who performs an action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "proprietor" traces back to Latin proprius (own, individual) combined with the agentive suffix -ator. It entered English via Old French proprietaire, reflecting the concept of exclusive ownership. Originally used in feudal contexts (e.g., landholders), it later broadened to describe business owners, emphasizing legal ownership rights. The morphemes preserve the original Latin root's focus on possession (propri) and the actor role (-etor).
The proprietor of the café greets customers every morning.
As the sole proprietor, she manages all business decisions.
The land was returned to its original proprietor after the legal dispute.
Small proprietors often face challenges competing with large corporations.
The colonial proprietors governed under royal charters.