Senator

Definition

A senator is a member of a senate, the upper house in some bicameral legislative systems, who represents a constituency or region and participates in the creation, amendment, and voting on legislation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛnətər/
• Respelling: SEN-uh-tur (with "SEN" as in "send," "uh" as a neutral sound, and "tur" as in the ending of "nature")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛnətə/
• Respelling: SEN-uh-tuh (similar to American English, with "SEN" as in "send," "uh" as a neutral sound, and "tuh" resembling the non-rhotic ending, where the 'r' is not pronounced)

This adjusted respelling aims to provide a clearer understanding of the pronunciation by using "uh" to signify the schwa sound (/ə/), accommodating those not familiar with the IPA while still maintaining accuracy in the depiction of "senator" across both dialects.

Etymology

The term senator derives from the Latin word senātor, which is derived from senex, meaning "old man" or "elder." Historically, elders were often vested with advisory or governing roles within a community.

Derivatives

• Senatorial
• Senators
• Senatorship
• Senatorially
• Senatology

Synonyms

• Lawmaker
• Legislator
• Parliamentarian

Antonyms

• Representative (in systems where the lower house is called the House of Representatives)
• Commoner
• Citizen

Usage

The term senator is primarily used to denote members of a higher chamber in a bicameral legislature, signifying a position of seniority or greater deliberative function as compared to the lower house. The term is used in various political systems globally, with differing roles, powers, and methods of selection or election.

Related Terms

• Senate
• Bicameralism
• Legislature
• Upper house
• Lower house

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A member of the senate, the upper house in a bicameral legislature, responsible for representing a geographic region or political subdivision and participating in legislative processes.
• Example: The senator proposed a bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the state.

• An advisory or governing member of certain early or ancient political systems or bodies, vested with the power due to age, experience, or nobility.
• Example: In ancient Rome, the senator held a prestigious position within the political hierarchy, advising on matters of state and governance.