ENGLISH
REFERENCE

CAPTAIN

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈkæptən// UK //kˈæptɪn// cap·tain General-service Humorous

n. the person in charge of a ship, an airplane, or a sports team. You use this to address the leader who has the final responsibility for everyone's safety or success.

n. the person in command of a ship, aircraft, or military unit; also the designated leader of a sports team. Often used as a title before a surname or as a direct form of address.


SIMPLE

The captain welcomes the passengers on board the flight.

CONTEXTUAL

After the storm damaged the sails, the captain decided to steer the ship toward the nearest harbor for repairs.

COMPLEX

While the first officer handles much of the technical navigation, the captain retains ultimate legal and operational authority over the vessel and its entire crew.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used as a title (Captain Smith) or a vocative address ('Yes, Captain').

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