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rector

rek-tor/rekˈtoɾ/

“rector” means “chancellor” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

chancellor, president

Also: headmaster
NounmB2formal
A distinguished person in academic robes standing in front of a grand university building.

📝 In Action

El rector de la universidad inauguró el nuevo edificio de ciencias.

B2

The university chancellor inaugurated the new science building.

Los estudiantes solicitaron una reunión con el rector para hablar de las becas.

B2

The students requested a meeting with the president to talk about scholarships.

Para ser rector, se requiere una larga trayectoria académica.

C1

To be a chancellor, a long academic career is required.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • rector magnífico – honorific title for a university rector
  • elección de rector – chancellor election
  • equipo rector – management team

guiding, governing

Also: directing
AdjectivemC1formal
A bright lighthouse on a cliffside casting a beam of light over the dark sea to lead a small boat.

📝 In Action

La libertad es el principio rector de esta constitución.

C1

Freedom is the guiding principle of this constitution.

Necesitamos un marco rector para regular el uso de la inteligencia artificial.

C2

We need a governing framework to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.

Esa fue la idea rectora de todo el proyecto artístico.

C1

That was the guiding idea of the entire artistic project.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • guía (guide)
  • normativo (regulatory)

Common Collocations

  • principio rector – guiding principle
  • idea rectora – guiding idea
  • plan rector – master plan / guiding plan

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: rector

Question 1 of 3

If you are graduating from a university in Spain, who is most likely to sign your diploma?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
rectorado(rectorate/office of the rector) — Noun
rectoría(rector's office/position) — Noun
regir(to rule/govern) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From Latin 'rector' (meaning leader or guide), which comes from the verb 'regere', which means 'to rule' or 'to keep straight'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: rectorFrench: recteur

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'rector' the same as a 'principal' in English?

Only if you are talking about the head of a university or certain prestigious private schools. For a typical elementary or high school, use 'director'.

Does 'rector' have a feminine form?

Yes, 'rectora' is used when the person in the position is a woman.

What is the 'rectorado'?

It can refer to either the period of time someone is a rector (their term) or the physical building where their office is located.