consul

Everyday

1. A consul is an official sent by a country to live in a foreign city to help its own citizens there and to look after trade. tree →
2. (history) In ancient Rome, a consul was one of the two leaders chosen each year to run the republic. tree →
3. (history) In France about two hundred years ago, Napoleon ruled with the title First Consul. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety, a traveller who loses a passport abroad goes to their country's consulate, where the consul or their staff can help. In history lessons about Rome, consuls were the top elected leaders. In stories a consul is often a calm, important person who helps travellers in trouble. Common phrases: «the British consul», «consul general», «honorary consul», «the consulate».

Examples

• When Dad lost his passport in Spain, the consul helped him get a new one. tree →
• The Australian consul in Bali helps Australians who get into trouble there. tree →
• Ancient Rome chose two consuls every year. tree →
• Julius Caesar was a consul before he became a dictator. tree →
• The consul invited local business people to a dinner. tree →
• Her aunt works at the Canadian consulate in New York. tree →
• A consul is not quite the same as an ambassador. tree →

Note

Plural: consuls. The office building is a «consulate». An ambassador works in the capital city and represents the whole country to the government; a consul works in other cities and mainly helps citizens and trade. Do not confuse «consul» with «council» (a group that runs a town) or «counsel» (advice, or a lawyer).