consul
Definitions
An official appointed by a government to protect its citizens and interests in a foreign city.
领事（政府派驻外国城市、保护本国公民及利益的官员）。
Either of the two chief magistrates of the ancient Roman Republic.
（古罗马共和国的）执政官。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin consul, from the consulere root ('to take counsel') — the same source as consult. A consul was 'one who deliberates' for the state. Note there is no -t here, unlike consult; it's the older, undisguised form of the deliberating root.
Root sult still carries 9 more wordsWhy It Means This
Consul is the ancestor at the heart of the consult family. In Rome, the two consuls were the republic's top officials — leaders who deliberated and decided for the state. The modern 'consul' (a diplomat abroad) keeps the idea of an official acting on behalf of citizens, far from home.
Usage Guide
Don't confuse 'consul' (the official) with 'council' (a governing assembly) or 'counsel' (advice / a lawyer) — three near-homophones with different jobs. 'Consul general' is the head of a consulate.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The British consul helped the stranded tourists return home.
- 2.
He served as consul in Shanghai for three years.
- 3.
Two consuls jointly governed the Roman Republic each year.
Easily Confused
consul vs council vs counsel — consul = a government's overseas official; council = a group that governs or advises (city council); counsel = advice, or a lawyer in court. Same sounds, three meanings: person abroad / a body / advice.