English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

preside

prih-ZYD

Preside (verb) means to be in charge of and direct a meeting, ceremony, or organization. Example: “The judge presided over the trial.”

verb
1
To be in charge of and direct a meeting, ceremony, or organization.
"The judge presided over the trial."
"She presided over the committee for six years."

How to use preside

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo be the person officially in charge of running something, like a meeting or a court.

Common pairings
preside over a meeting preside over a trial

Word forms

presided past tense, presides singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “preside” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The judge _____ over the trial.

Etymology

From Latin praesidere, "to sit in front of, guard, superintend," from prae- ("before") and sedere ("to sit").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for preside

See all rhymes for preside →

Frequently asked questions

What does “preside” mean?

The word “preside” means to be in charge of and direct a meeting, ceremony, or organization. In plain terms, to be the person officially in charge of running something, like a meeting or a court.

How do you pronounce “preside”?

“Preside” is pronounced prih-ZYD (/pɹɪˈzaɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “preside” in a sentence?

Here is “preside” used in a sentence: “The judge presided over the trial.”

What part of speech is “preside”?

“Preside” is a verb.

Where does the word “preside” come from?

The word “preside” comes from Latin. From Latin praesidere, "to sit in front of, guard, superintend," from prae- ("before") and sedere ("to sit").

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial