ENGLISH
REFERENCE

magnate

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈmæɡˌneɪt// UK //mˈæɡneɪt// mag·nate Archaic

n. a person who is very wealthy and powerful in a specific industry. You often hear this word used for leaders in business like oil, steel, or media.

n. a person of great wealth, influence, or power in a particular area of business or industry.


SIMPLE

The media magnate owns several major television networks.

CONTEXTUAL

After decades of aggressive expansion, the shipping magnate controlled nearly half of the global container fleet.

COMPLEX

The biography explores how a small-town entrepreneur transformed himself into a global steel magnate, eventually wielding more political influence than many elected officials.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed into late Middle English from Late Latin magnātēs, plural of magnās, from magnus (“great”), mid 15th c.

Usage

Often paired with a specific industry noun acting as a modifier, such as 'media magnate' or 'real estate magnate'.

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