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comandante

comandante

2 8.4
A person who leads and gives orders to others, often in Spanish-speaking countries
  • noun
  • /ˌkɒmənˈdɑːnteɪ/
translation icon : comandante
  • Most Mexicans are convinced (and Comandante Marcos has charged) that U.S. special forces are working with Mexican armed forces in Chiapas to wipe out the Zapatista guerillas.
  • comandante said
  • comandante invited

Examples

  • - The comandante wants to see you.

  • Gracias, Comandante.

  • "I see," the comandante said.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The comandante says to get you out of here.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The comandante considered whether he was obliged to do this.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The comandante was demanding more.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Do you have something to hide, Comandante Richter?

  • The comandante decided abruptly to investigate further.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The comandante demanded the last coin in his pocket, a keepsake—counterfeit, perhaps—of no value except to himself.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The comandante organized a strategic meeting to discuss the upcoming operation.

Synonyms

chief
vscomandante
1.9

A person who leads a group or community

refers to a leader or commander role rather than necessarily the top authority
commander
vscomandante
3.6

A person in charge of a group who gives orders and leads them

is often used in Spanish contexts and not limited to military leadership
head honcho
vscomandante
  • Slang
9 6.3

A person who is in charge of a company or group

is more formal and tied to Spanish language or rank contexts
jefe
vscomandante
  • US
4 8.6

A person who manages a group at work

is broader, covering military and formal leadership beyond workplace management

Antonyms

295 1.6

A person who supports a leader and accepts their direction

21 4.8

Lower in rank or importance and under someone's control

Surface Forms

comandante singular
comandantes plural

Etymology

Comandante comes from the Latin root mandare 'to order' with com- meaning 'together', and it shares the same root as the English words command and commander. So a comandante is literally 'one who gives orders', which explains its use for a leader.