legate
Legate (noun) means an official representative sent by the pope on a special church mission. Example: “The pope dispatched a legate to negotiate with the emperor.”
How to use legate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official envoy, historically often representing the pope or a Roman governor.
A formal, mostly historical or religious term — not everyday vocabulary.
Word forms
legates plural, legates plural, Legates plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pope dispatched a _____ to negotiate with the emperor.
Etymology
From Latin lēgātus, "one sent as an envoy," from lēgō, "to send on a mission" or "to bequeath."
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for legate
See all rhymes for legate →Frequently asked questions
What does “legate” mean?
The word “legate” means an official representative sent by the pope on a special church mission. In plain terms, an official envoy, historically often representing the pope or a Roman governor.
How do you pronounce “legate”?
“Legate” is pronounced LEH-giht (/ˈlɛɡɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “legate” in a sentence?
Here is “legate” used in a sentence: “The pope dispatched a legate to negotiate with the emperor.”
What part of speech is “legate”?
“Legate” is a noun.
Where does the word “legate” come from?
The word “legate” comes from Latin. From Latin lēgātus, "one sent as an envoy," from lēgō, "to send on a mission" or "to bequeath.".
How many meanings does “legate” have?
“Legate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official representative sent by the pope on a special church mission.