Captain Meaning and Definition
Captain
Pronunciation
/ˈkæptn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A officer in command of a ship, airplane, or other vehicle; a person in charge of a team or group, often used officially or formally.
Examples
- The captain of the ship was hailed as a hero for saving all on board.
- The team’s captain was instrumental in their success.
Synonyms
- Officer
- Leader
Antonyms
- Subordinate
- Follower
Etymology
The word “captain” comes from the Latin “capitaneus,” meaning “head,” and is derived from the Latin “caput,” meaning “head.” The term was originally used to refer to the head of a family or group.
Usage Notes
The term “captain” is often used in formal or official contexts, such as in the military or on a ship. It can also be used to refer to the leader of a team or group in a more general sense.
Cultural References
Captain is a reference in many cultures, including in literature and film, such as in Star Trek with Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Captain James T. Kirk, and in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Take the wheel, take the helm, and steer the ship; take the lead and be the captain of the team.
Related Words or Phrases
- Commander
- Leader
- Pilot
Collocations
- captain a ship
- captain a team
- captain a department
Frequency of Use
The term “captain” is commonly used in formal or official contexts, such as in the military, on ships, or in business.
Common Misspellings
- Kaptain
- Kaptein