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induna

induna

1 9.9
A traditional leader in southern African communities who guides and speaks for people
  • noun
  • South African
: induna
  • These areas allow limited hunting and human settlement and form part of the communally owned lands traditionally administered by village chiefs and indunas (headmen).
  • indunas and chiefs

Examples

  • As an induna, he was respected for his wisdom and leadership within the village.

  • You're supposed to be my induna!

  • My induna, simeon.

  • Simeon, you're my induna.

  • Adam Fakir Seedat built a store in 1897 on the farm Kirkintullock, about ten miles from Ladysmith, which belonged to induna Joseph Kumalo.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The local community gathered at the meeting to hear from the induna about upcoming events.

  • During the ceremony, the induna spoke about the importance of tradition and unity among the people.

Synonyms

Indian chief
vsinduna
6 4.2

A leader of a Native American tribe

is specific to southern Africa and serves as commander and adviser
tribal chief
vsinduna
4 4.7

A person who leads a group of people in a traditional community

is specific to southern Africa and serves as commander and adviser
Indian chieftain
vsinduna
1 8.9

A leader of a Native American tribe who guides the people

is a southern African official serving as commander and adviser
nayaka
vsinduna
  • Archaic
9.9

A person who leads a community or region in South Asian history

is specific to southern Africa and includes commander and adviser roles

Antonyms

180 1.6

A person who supports a leader and accepts their direction

35 4.6

A person with a lower job rank who follows another's orders

Surface Forms

induna singular
indunas plural

Etymology

Induna comes from the Zulu language of southern Africa and originally meant 'leader' or 'advisor'. Think of an induna like an English chief who speaks for and leads a group, which is why today an induna is a community leader or official.