Alderwomen: meaning, definitions and examples
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alderwomen
[ ˈɔːldərˌwʊmən ]
political role
An alderwoman is a female member of an elected legislative body, often a municipal council. Aldermen and alderwomen are responsible for representing their constituents and making decisions on local laws and policies.
Synonyms
councilwoman, female council member, local legislator
Examples of usage
- The alderwoman proposed a new community park.
- In the meeting, the alderwoman addressed the concerns of local residents.
- Voters are encouraged to support their local alderwoman.
- The alderwoman advocates for environmental issues in the city.
- She was elected as alderwoman after a close campaign.
Word origin
The term 'alderwoman' is derived from 'alderman,' which has Old English roots, with 'alder' meaning 'old' or 'elder' and 'man' signifying a person. The term was historically used to designate a member of a council, typically with a male connotation, but over time, the need for gender-specific terms led to the adaptation of 'alderwoman' to specifically denote female members of legislative bodies. As societies moved towards more inclusive language, the usage of 'alderwoman' became more prevalent, reflecting the expanding role of women in politics and governance. The establishment of women as representatives in local government also underscores the broader movements for women's rights and equality, allowing for greater female participation in public affairs, particularly in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,751, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.