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Chairperson Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chairperson

[ˈtʃɛːpəs(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

formal

The person who presides over a meeting, organization, or event.

Synonyms

chairman, chairwoman, president.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chairperson

Gender-neutral term often used in formal and professional settings to refer to the head of a meeting, committee, or organization.

  • The chairperson called the meeting to order at ten o'clock.
  • She was elected as the new chairperson of the board.
chairman

Commonly used in formal and professional settings, typically to refer to a male head of a meeting, committee, or organization. Nowadays, its use is less frequent due to efforts to use more gender-neutral language.

  • The chairman delivered a speech about the company's future.
  • He has been appointed as the chairman of the event.
chairwoman

Used in formal and professional settings to specifically refer to a female head of a meeting, committee, or organization.

  • The chairwoman introduced the guest speakers.
  • She became the first chairwoman of the historical society.
president

Often used to denote the head of an organization, company, or country. It implies a higher level of authority and broader responsibilities compared to 'chairperson'.

  • The president of the company announced a new strategic plan.
  • He was elected as the president of the student union.

Examples of usage

  • The chairperson called the meeting to order.
  • The chairperson of the committee will make the final decision.
Context #2 | Noun

neutral

A gender-neutral term for the person who leads a group or organization.

Synonyms

chair, head, leader.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chairperson

Chairperson is often used in formal settings such as meetings, committees, or organizations to denote the person who is presiding over the assembly or group.

  • The chairperson called the meeting to order promptly at 9 a.m.
  • She was elected as the chairperson of the board.
chair

Chair can be used interchangeably with chairperson, but it is more commonly used in informal contexts or when referring to the position in a simplified manner.

  • The chair of the committee asked for a vote.
  • He took over as chair after the previous one stepped down.
head

Head is used to describe someone in charge of a department, organization, or division. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts but often implies a managerial or executive role.

  • She's the head of the marketing department.
  • The head of the team organized a small get-together for the members.
leader

Leader is a more general term that denotes a person who leads a group or organization. It is used across various contexts, from corporate settings to social groups, and tends to emphasize inspirational or guiding qualities.

  • The leader of the project inspired everyone to do their best.
  • As a natural leader, he was able to unite the team towards a common goal.

Examples of usage

  • The chairperson of the board is responsible for strategic decisions.
  • Our company's chairperson is known for their strong leadership skills.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'chairperson'

The term 'chairperson' emerged in the late 1970s as a gender-neutral alternative to 'chairman' or 'chairwoman'. It reflects a growing awareness of gender inclusivity and equality in language usage. By using 'chairperson', organizations aim to promote diversity and inclusiveness in leadership roles.

See also: armchair, chair, chairman, chairs, chairwoman.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,244, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.