What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commander
Example
The commander led his troops into battle. [commander: noun]
Example
She was appointed as the new commander of the naval fleet. [commander: noun]
leader
Example
He is a great leader who motivates his team to reach their full potential. [leader: noun]
Example
The student council elected her as their leader for the upcoming school year. [leader: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Leader is more commonly used than commander in everyday language. Leader is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, such as business, sports, or community organizations. Commander is more specific to military or formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commander and leader?
While commander is typically associated with a formal and authoritative tone, leader can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be more flexible in terms of formality.