Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dux | [ˈdʊks] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈduks] (narrow) |
common gender |
| prīnceps | common gender | |
| ductor | [ˈdʊk.tɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈduk.tor] (narrow) |
masculine |
| ductrīx | feminine | |
| caput | [ˈka.pʊt] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkaː.put] (narrow) |
neuter |
| praepositus | [prae̯ˈpɔ.sɪ.tʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [preˈpɔː.s̬i.tus] (narrow) |
masculine |
The word used for 'leader' depends on the type of authority being described, whether it is military, social or organizational.
Which one should you use?
The specific word you choose changes the nuance of leadership: dux typically refers to a military leader or a guide/commander. prīnceps refers to a leader in the sense of being 'first' in rank, importance or social standing. caput is used metaphorically to mean the 'head' or the person in charge of an organization or group. praepositus refers to a leader in the sense of someone appointed or 'placed over' others in a position of authority.
How does it change in a sentence?
prīnceps and dux are common-gender. ductor is masculine, while ductrīx is its feminine form. praepositus is masculine, and caput is neuter.
Did you know?
- The term prīnceps was used by Augustus, the first Roman emperor, as a modest alternative to 'king' or 'dictator' to avoid sounding like a tyrant.
- While dux is the common word for leader, it is also the direct ancestor of the English word 'duke'.
- In Roman military contexts, a dux was not just a leader but often a guide who knew the terrain, blending the role of a general and a scout.
Examples in context
- Quis est dux gregis?Who is the group leader?This sentence shows how to ask who the leader of a group is using dux.Tatoeba #3281804 by alexlee, translation #1671737 by CM
- Thomas dux noster est.Tom is our leader.This sentence demonstrates using dux to identify a specific person as a leader.Tatoeba #3038504 by alexmarcelo, translation #1522408 by Spamster
- Tu dux es. Tu decernis.You're the leader. You decide.This sentence shows the use of dux in a context of decision-making authority.Tatoeba #11128241 by soridsolid, translation #4497139 by CK
- Gaius est ductor trium exercituum.Gaius is the leader of three armies.
- Marcus est dux cohortis.Marcus is the leader of the cohort.
- Regulus est praefectus collegii iuvenum.Regulus is the leader of the youth council.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Julia are discussing who will lead their group project.
- LuciusQuis erit dux huius operis?Who will be the leader of this work?
- JuliaIulia apta est, quia sagax est.Julia is suitable, because she is clever.
- LuciusIta, tu eris dux noster, Iulia.Yes, you will be our leader, Julia.
- JuliaGratias tibi, Luci!Thank you, Lucius!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leader” translations and entries dux, ductor, caput, praepositus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
