# consul

/ˈkɑnsəɫ/ (US) · /kˈɒnsʌl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/consul
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. Roman leader

noun · CEFR C1 · Archaic

one of the two most important leaders in the government of ancient Rome.

For teachers: one of the two annually elected chief magistrates of the Roman Republic who jointly ruled the state.

- In ancient Rome, a consul served for only one year to prevent them from becoming too powerful.
- The authority of the Roman consul was symbolised by the fasces, representing their power to maintain order and execute the law during their term of office.

## Examples

- The consul helps citizens who lose their passports abroad.
- After the local authorities detained the traveler, the consul arrived to ensure his legal rights were being respected.
- While an ambassador handles high-level political relations between nations, the consul focuses on administrative duties and the practical needs of expatriates within a specific district.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.