Commander
/kəˈmændər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who is in charge of a group of people, such as a military unit or a spacecraft.
/kəˈmændər/
A person in command
The ship's commander steered them through the storm.
💡 Simply: Imagine a captain of a ship – that's a commander! They're the boss and give the orders.
👶 For kids: The boss of a group.
More Examples
The army commander decided on a new strategy.
How It's Used
"The commander of the troops gave the order to advance."
"The spacecraft commander expertly navigated the asteroid field."
To have authority over; to direct or control.
/kəˈmænd/
To be in command of something
The general commanded his soldiers to attack.
💡 Simply: It's like being the boss and telling people what to do.
👶 For kids: To tell someone what to do.
More Examples
The judge commanded silence in the courtroom.
How It's Used
"She commanded her troops with courage and skill."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
in command
In control; in charge.
"The captain was in command of the ship."
From Old French *commandeor, from commander 'to command'. Ultimately from Latin *commendare 'to entrust, commit'.
The word has long been associated with military leadership, but its usage has broadened to include other contexts of authority.
Memory tip
Think of 'command' – a commander is someone who commands.
Word Origin
"to entrust, commit"