plenipotentiary

[ plen-uh-puh-ten-shee-er-ee, -shuh-ree ]

noun

, plural plen·i·po·ten·ti·ar·ies.

1. a person, especially a diplomatic agent, invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another.

adjective

1. invested with full power or authority, as a diplomatic agent.
2. conferring or bestowing full power, as a commission.
3. absolute or full, as power.

plenipotentiary

/ ˌplɛnɪpəˈtɛnʃərɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of a diplomatic envoy) invested with or possessing full power or authority
2. conferring full power or authority
3. (of power or authority) full; absolute

noun

1. a person invested with full authority to transact business, esp a diplomat authorized to represent a country See also envoy 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of plenipotentiary¹

From the Medieval Latin word plēnipotentiārius, dating back to 1635–45. See plenipotent, -i-, -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of plenipotentiary¹

C17: from Medieval Latin plēnipotentiārius, from Latin plēnus full + potentia power

Example Sentences

According to Marcin Horala, the Polish government's plenipotentiary responsible for overseeing the hub's construction, it is one of the most important projects underway in central and eastern Europe for military and civilian use.

From Reuters

The agency’s plenipotentiary conference, which takes place every four years, began on Monday in Bucharest, Romania.

From New York Times

He became the plenipotentiary for contacts with the Jewish diaspora in July.

From Seattle Times

They were appointed as "plenipotentiaries" and yet were instructed not take any final decisions without their cabinet's permission.

From BBC

Rather than appoint a commission with plenipotentiary powers, he did nothing.

From Salon