Chair Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🪑
chair
chair
Definitions
furniture piece
A piece of furniture with a raised surface supported by legs, commonly used for sitting on.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She sat on the chair by the window.
- The dining table had six chairs around it.
person in charge
A person in charge of a meeting or organization.
Synonyms
chairperson, head, leader, president.
Examples of usage
- The chair of the committee called the meeting to order.
- She was elected as the chair of the board.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “chair”
Chair is a 1-syllable noun. It is pronounced /ˈtʃɛɹ/ in American English and /tʃˈeə/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 8 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #2,066 among the most common English words.
Did you know?
“chair” in design and innovation
- The modern office chair was developed in the 19th century, improving comfort for long hours of sitting.
- Designs like the Eames Lounge Chair have become iconic, blending style and functionality.
“chair” in cultural significance
- In many cultures, the chair represents power and authority, often seen in thrones for leaders.
- The phrase 'taking a seat' signifies being included in conversation or decision-making.
“chair” in health and ergonomics
- Poor chair design can lead to back pain, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic chairs in modern workplaces.
- Standing desks are becoming popular as an alternative to sitting, highlighting the health risks associated with long periods in a chair.
“chair” in art and literature
- Chairs have often been subjects in art, symbolizing rest, presence, or absence depending on their context.
- In literature, chairs can represent pause, reflection, or a place of thought, as seen in various novels where characters ponder while seated.
Origin of 'chair'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'chaiere', which means a seat or throne.
- Its roots trace back to the Latin 'cathedra', which means 'seat' and is related to the word for a type of chair used by authority figures.
The word 'chair' has a long history, dating back to the 13th century. It comes from the Old French word 'chaiere', which in turn comes from the Latin 'cathedra', meaning 'seat'. The concept of a chair as a piece of furniture for sitting has evolved over centuries, with various styles and designs emerging. The use of 'chair' to refer to a person in charge or a position of authority also has historical roots, indicating the role of leading and presiding over a group or organization.
See also: armchair, chairman, chairperson, chairs, chairwoman.