vicepresidente
Lemma Details
Translation: vice president; vice-president
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the prefix 'vice-' (from Latin 'vice', meaning 'in place of' or 'deputy') + 'presidente' (president). The prefix 'vice-' is used in both Spanish and English to denote a deputy or substitute position, making this a cognate with the English 'vice president'. The structure follows the pattern of many official titles where 'vice-' indicates the second-in-command.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El vicepresidente asumió el poder después de la renuncia del presidente.
The vice president assumed power after the president's resignation.
La empresa nombró a una nueva vicepresidenta de marketing.
The company appointed a new vice president of marketing.
Como vicepresidente, su trabajo es apoyar las iniciativas del presidente.
As vice president, his job is to support the president's initiatives.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'vice' as 'standing in for' and 'presidente' as 'president' - the person who stands in for the president.
- Remember that 'vice' comes from Latin meaning 'in place of' - so a vicepresidente takes the place of the presidente when needed.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, the 'vicepresidente' plays a similar role to vice presidents in English-speaking countries, serving as the second-highest official in government or organizations. The feminine form 'vicepresidenta' is increasingly common as more women hold this position in politics and business.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'vicepresidente' refers to the second-in-command, 'presidente' refers to the person in the highest position of authority.
Confused word:
El presidente dirige las reuniones de la junta directiva.
The president leads the board meetings.
Notes: In formal contexts, the vicepresidente is addressed as 'Señor Vicepresidente' or 'Señora Vicepresidenta'.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'vice-' means 'deputy' or 'assistant' - so the vicepresidente is the assistant to the presidente.
Explanation: Both are deputy positions, but 'vicepresidente' is second to the president while 'vicesecretario' is second to the secretary.
Notes: Both titles use the prefix 'vice-' to indicate a deputy position, but for different roles in the organizational hierarchy.
Mnemonic: Think of the hierarchy: presidente > vicepresidente > secretario > vicesecretario.