plenipotentiary — a person, especially a diplomat, invested with the full power of independent action on behalf of their government
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person, especially a diplomat, invested with the full power of independent action on behalf of their government
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌplenɪpəˈtenʃiˌeri/
Example Sentences
- The king sent his plenipotentiary to negotiate peace, hoping he wouldn't accidentally start another war instead.
- As a plenipotentiary, she had the authority to make decisions that could change the course of history.
- The CEO gave his assistant plenipotentiary powers over the office snack budget, which turned out to be a grave mistake.
plenipotentiary
NOUN[/ˌplenɪpəˈtenʃiˌeri/]
a person, especially a diplomat, invested with the full power of independent action on behalf of their government
The plenipotentiary signs the treaty with full authority from his king.
The plenipotentiary's revolutionary signature creates extraordinary change!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin, combining plenus (full, complete) and potentia (power, authority). It developed as a ecclesiastical term in the Middle Ages, used to describe papal envoys or representatives granted full powers to act on behalf of the Church.
Breakdown
plenus (full, complete) + potentia (power) + -ary (relating to, connected with). The suffix -ary transforms the noun phrase into an adjective or noun describing one who possesses full powers.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The king sent his plenipotentiary to negotiate peace, hoping he wouldn't accidentally start another war instead.”
“As a plenipotentiary, she had the authority to make decisions that could change the course of history.”
“The CEO gave his assistant plenipotentiary powers over the office snack budget, which turned out to be a grave mistake.”
“The plenipotentiary arrived with a briefcase full of treaties and a head full of diplomatic strategies.”
📚Related Words
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