el alcalde

Word: alcalde

Meaning: The Spanish word "alcalde" refers to the mayor of a town or city — the chief municipal authority or head of the local government.

Explanation:

• It originates from the Arabic word al-qāḍī (القاضي), meaning "the judge," since in medieval Spain (Al-Andalus), an alcalde originally served judicial as well as administrative functions.
• Over time, the role evolved into that of the elected head of a city or town council.

Parts:

• The word "alcalde" is a single noun, masculine in form. The feminine form is "alcaldesa" (female mayor).

Synonyms:

• alcaldesa (female mayor)
• intendente (in some countries, similar local authority)
• gobernador municipal (municipal governor)
• presidente municipal (municipal president, used in some Latin American countries)

Antonyms: There isn't a direct opposite word, but related concepts might be:

• ciudadano común (ordinary citizen)
• subordinado (subordinate)
• funcionario (official, but generally lower ranked)

Summary:

• Primarily means mayor (head of municipality).
• An important local government official responsible for administration, policy application, and community representation.
• Derived from Arabic, reflecting historical cultural influences.