potentate

noun

po·​ten·​tate ˈpō-tᵊn-ˌtāt 

: ruler, sovereign

broadly : one who wields great power or sway

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Potentate has been wielding its power in English since the 15th century. It comes from the Late Latin potentatus, which in turn was formed from the Latin potent-, meaning "powerful." Other descendants of potent- in English include potent itself, impotent, and omnipotent, as well as the archaic armipotent and very rare bellipotent (meaning, respectively, "mighty in battle" and "mighty in war"). Even power and powerful can be traced back to potent-.

Synonyms

• autocrat
• monarch
• ruler
• sovereign
• sovran

Examples of potentate in a Sentence

Charles inherited the position of potentate of the Holy Roman Empire from his grandfather, as well that of king of Spain from his father.

Recent Examples on the Web

A number of sports potentates will be making the Idaho scene, at a moment when tens of billions of dollars are changing hands in pursuit of ever-valuable rights. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 July 2024

By cracking the whip on local potentates, the party bolsters its already substantial public support and reinforces the power of central institutions. —Dali Yang, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2017

This was a violin in full command of its considerable powers, a violin capable of enchanting the most powerful potentate in the land and persuading him to do its bidding. —Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2024

This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates. —Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

potentate

noun

po·​ten·​tate ˈpōt-ᵊn-ˌtāt 

: a person who has controlling power : sovereign