Cadre

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkædər/

Definitions

• A small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession.
• A group of officers or officials in an organization or institution.
• A core group of individuals who lead or manage a larger organization or movement.

Usage Examples

• The company's cadre of engineers developed a new, innovative product.
• The military cadre trained the recruits in combat tactics.
• The political cadre worked tirelessly to promote the party's ideology.

Etymology

The word 'cadre' comes from the French word 'cadre', meaning a frame or framework, which itself comes from the Latin 'quadrum', meaning square or frame. The term evolved in the 19th century to describe a group of trained personnel.

Synonyms

• Team
• Core group
• Group
• Personnel
• Staff

Antonyms

• Individual
• Outsider
• Non-specialist
• Amateur

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the pronunciation may slightly vary. For example, in the southern parts of India, the word is pronounced with a softer 'd' sound, as in 'kaadar' rather than 'kædər'.

Historical Usage

Historically, 'cadre' referred to the military or professional core group trained for a specific purpose. In the 19th century, the term was widely used in the context of political movements, especially in revolutionary contexts, to describe the core activists of a movement.

Cultural Nuances

In many countries, the term 'cadre' carries a sense of exclusivity or specialization. In political contexts, the term often implies a group of dedicated individuals within a larger movement or organization who are responsible for its leadership and direction.

More Information

The concept of a cadre has been integral to various organizations, from military units to political parties and business enterprises. The strength of a cadre lies in its specialization and loyalty. Within military circles, it signifies the backbone of the organization, composed of skilled officers who guide less-experienced personnel. In the context of business, a cadre often represents the company's executive team or the core leadership group responsible for setting strategic direction. The term is also used in broader socio-political discourse to describe any small, highly specialized group that serves as a guiding force within a larger entity.