Captain

Definition

Captain is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a person in command of a ship, aircraft, or military unit, as well as the leader of a sports team. As a verb, it means to act as a captain or lead a team or group.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkæptən/
• Respelling: KAP-tuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkæptɪn/
• Respelling: KAP-tin

The pronunciation of "captain" is nearly identical in both American and British English, with slight variations in the final syllable.

Etymology

The word "captain" originates from the Late Latin "capitaneus," meaning "chief" or "leader," derived from Latin "caput," meaning "head." It was adopted into Middle English from Old French "capitain" and has retained its meaning as a leader or person in command.

Derivatives

• Captaincy (noun)
• Captainship (noun)
• Captained (verb)
• Captaining (verb)
• Co-captain (noun)

Synonyms

• Leader
• Commander
• Chief

Antonyms

• Follower
• Subordinate
• Member

Usage

The term "captain" is commonly used in military, maritime, and sports contexts, as in "He is the captain of the ship" or "She was appointed captain of the team."

Related Terms

• Commander: A person in charge, particularly in the military.
• Lieutenant: A military rank below captain.
• Skipper: An informal term for the captain of a boat or team.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A person in command of a ship, aircraft, or military unit: Used to denote a leader in a transportation or military context.
  • Example: "The captain navigated the ship through rough waters."
• The leader of a sports team: Refers to the individual responsible for leading a team on the field.
  • Example: "She was chosen as the team captain for her leadership skills."

Verb

• To lead or be in charge of a team or group: Often used in the context of sports or team activities.
  • Example: "He captained the soccer team for three seasons."