Pronunciation: [tsˈɑː] (IPA) 
The word "czar" is commonly spelled with a "z" instead of the more phonetically accurate "c." It originates from the Russian word "tsar" (царь) which is pronounced with a "ts" sound in IPA transcription. In English, the "z" spelling has become more popular, possibly due to its proximity to the more commonly used letter "z" in the English language. However, using "c" instead of "z" better reflects the original Russian pronunciation.
Czar is a noun that primarily refers to an Emperor or supreme ruler in the Russian Empire, particularly during the period before the Russian Revolution in 1917. This term originated from the Latin word Cæsar, which signifies Emperor or ruler. As such, the czar held vast authority and power, often reigning over an expansive territory and commanding significant influence over political, social, and economic matters.
Beyond Russian history, the term "czar" has also been extended to describe individuals who hold authoritative or dominant positions. In this sense, a czar takes charge of a particular field or area, exerting extensive control and having the final say in decision-making. These modern-day czars can be appointed by the government or industry, often to address a critical issue or manage a complex system that requires specialized expertise.
Czars are typically seen as highly knowledgeable and possess a breadth of experience in their domain, allowing them to navigate and lead effectively. They are usually tasked with streamlining operations, implementing reforms, and overseeing the coordination of various stakeholders. The position of a czar may vary depending on the specific context, ranging from drug czars responsible for combating drug abuse to energy czars focused on energy policy.
In summary, the term "czar" historically refers to an Emperor or supreme ruler, particularly in the Russian Empire. In contemporary usage, it also designates influential individuals with significant authority and expertise in a specific field, often appointed to address critical issues and provide leadership in solving complex problems.
Sometimes written tzar, the title of the Emperor of Russia; a king.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "czar" is derived from the Latin word "caesar", which means "emperor". The Latin word was used to refer to Julius Caesar and later became a title for Roman emperors. As the Roman Empire expanded and Christianity became the dominant religion, the title "caesar" split into two separate titles: "kaiser" in the Holy Roman Empire and "czar" in the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire influenced Slavic-speaking regions, where the title "czar" was adopted to refer to their rulers. Over time, it became the title for the Russian emperors and was used to address the rulers of Russian Empire until the fall of monarchy in 1917.
