noun
Uncommon
consulate
KONS-yuu-luht
Consulate (noun) means the office or building where a consul works, representing their country abroad. Example: “He went to the consulate to renew his passport.”
noun
1
The office or building where a consul works, representing their country abroad.
"He went to the consulate to renew his passport."
"The consulate was closed for a public holiday, so we had to wait."
"Our consulate in the city can help travellers who lose their passports."
How to use consulate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe office that represents a foreign government in a city.
Common mistake
A consulate is usually smaller and more local than an embassy, which is the main diplomatic mission in a country's capital.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
visit the consulate
the consulate general
contact your consulate
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Word forms
- Plural
- consulates
Fill the gap
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He went to the _____ to renew his passport.
Etymology
From Latin consulatus, "the office of consul," from consul + -atus.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for consulate
See all rhymes for consulate →Frequently asked questions
What does “consulate” mean?
The word “consulate” means the office or building where a consul works, representing their country abroad. In plain terms, the office that represents a foreign government in a city.
How do you pronounce “consulate”?
“Consulate” is pronounced KONS-yuu-luht (/ˈkɑnsəlɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “consulate” in a sentence?
Here is “consulate” used in a sentence: “He went to the consulate to renew his passport.”
What part of speech is “consulate”?
“Consulate” is a noun.
Where does the word “consulate” come from?
The word “consulate” comes from Latin. From Latin consulatus, "the office of consul," from consul + -atus.
Is “consulate” a common word?
“Consulate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "consulate" and an "embassy"?
A consulate is the office or building where a consul works, handling practical matters for citizens abroad such as documents and local support, and a country may have several consulates in different cities. An embassy is the main diplomatic mission, usually located in the capital, that represents government-to-government relations.
What services does a consulate provide?
Since a consulate is the office where a consul works to protect the interests of citizens and businesses abroad, it commonly assists with matters like passports, visas, and support for citizens facing problems in that country.
Is "consulate" capitalized when naming a specific country's consulate?
"Consulate" is capitalized when part of a specific official name, such as "the French Consulate," but is lowercase when used generally, as in "visit the nearest consulate."
