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supremo

suprémo with stress marks

highest leader (e.g., Bonifacio)

noun su-PRE-mo Spanish origin Rare

Usage Note

Supremo is historically associated with Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan revolutionary movement, who held the title Supremo — the supreme leader. The word carries strong patriotic and historical resonance in the Philippines. In contemporary use it can refer to the head of any organization, though the historical connotation gives it elevated weight.

Examples

Beginner

" Siya ang supremo ng grupo. "

Natural Translation

He/she is the supreme leader of the group.

Literal Translation

He/she the supreme-leader of group.

Intermediate

" Si Andres Bonifacio ang supremo. "

Natural Translation

Andres Bonifacio is the highest leader.

Literal Translation

Andres Bonifacio the highest leader.

Advanced

" Bilang supremo ng kilusan, si Bonifacio ang nagbuklod sa mga rebolusyonaryo laban sa mga mananakop. "

Natural Translation

As the supreme leader of the movement, Bonifacio united the revolutionaries against the colonizers.

Literal Translation

As supreme-leader of movement, Bonifacio the united on the revolutionaries against the colonizers.

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