president
PREHZ-ih-duhnt
President (noun) means the elected head of state of a republic, or the head of its government. Example: “The president addressed the nation on television.”
noun
1
The elected head of state of a republic, or the head of its government.
"The president addressed the nation on television."
"Voters will choose a new president at the next election."
"The president signed the new law in front of the cameras."
2
The person in charge of a company, organization, or committee.
"She was elected president of the student union."
"He serves as president of the local charity."
"As president of the company, she signs off every major decision."
How to use president
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe top elected or appointed leader of a country, company, or organization.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
president of the United States
company president
vice president
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Word forms
- Plural
- presidents
- Third person singular
- presidents
- Past tense
- presidented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ addressed the nation on television.
Etymology
From Latin praesidens, "one presiding," the present participle of praesideo, "to preside over," from prae- ("before") and sedeo ("to sit").
Synonyms
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head of state
chief executive
commander-in-chief
chief of state
leader
chairperson
chair
prex
prexy
prez
provost
prepositus
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for president
See all rhymes for president →Frequently asked questions
What does “president” mean?
The word “president” means the elected head of state of a republic, or the head of its government. In plain terms, the top elected or appointed leader of a country, company, or organization.
How do you pronounce “president”?
“President” is pronounced PREHZ-ih-duhnt (/ˈpɹɛz.ɪ.dənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “president” in a sentence?
Here is “president” used in a sentence: “The president addressed the nation on television.”
What is another word for “president”?
Words with a similar meaning to “president” include prex, prexy, prez, provost and prepositus.
What part of speech is “president”?
“President” is a noun.
Where does the word “president” come from?
The word “president” comes from Latin. From Latin praesidens, "one presiding," the present participle of praesideo, "to preside over," from prae- ("before") and sedeo ("to sit").
Is “president” a common word?
“President” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “president” have?
“President” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the elected head of state of a republic, or the head of its government.
What is the difference between a president and a prime minister?
A president is usually the elected head of state and, in many countries, also leads the government. A prime minister is the head of government drawn from the legislature, often serving alongside a separate head of state such as a monarch or president. Presidents are frequently elected directly; prime ministers typically are not.
What is the difference between a president and a monarch?
A president is elected and serves for a fixed term, usually in a republic. A monarch, a king or queen, inherits the position and normally holds it for life. Both can act as head of state, but a president gains power through election, while a monarch does so by birth.
What does a president do?
As head of state, a president represents the nation at home and abroad, signs laws, and often commands the armed forces. Where the president also heads the government, duties expand to setting policy and running the executive branch. Exact powers vary widely depending on each country's constitution.
Can 'president' refer to someone outside government?
Yes. 'President' also names the most senior officer of many organisations, such as a company, university, club, or association. In this sense the president leads the body, chairs its meetings, and represents it publicly, much as a national president leads a country, though without any political authority.
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