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Chairs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chairs

[tʃɛr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

furniture

A piece of furniture with a raised surface supported by legs, commonly used for sitting.

Synonyms

bench, seat, stool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
seat

A general term for any place designed for someone to sit, can be used in various contexts from transportation (bus, airplane) to theaters and classrooms.

  • He found his seat in the auditorium just before the show started.
  • Please fasten your seatbelt.
bench

Typically refers to a long seat for multiple people, often found in parks or outdoor settings, and sometimes in waiting rooms or gym lockers.

  • They sat on the bench and watched the sunset.
  • The players were sitting on the bench during the game.
stool

Refers to a type of seat that usually does not have a back, often used in bars, kitchens, or workshops.

  • She sat on the bar stool and ordered a drink.
  • He used a stool to reach the top shelf.

Examples of usage

  • Please have a seat on one of the chairs in the waiting room.
  • The dining table is surrounded by six wooden chairs.
Context #2 | Noun

meeting

A person who presides over a meeting, committee, etc.

Synonyms

head, leader, president.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chairs

Used to refer to the person who leads a meeting, committee, or organization. It’s a neutral and formal term often used in official documents and corporate settings.

  • The board chairs the annual general meeting.
  • John chairs the finance committee.
president

A formal title used to refer to the head of a state, country, large company, or organization. It is often used in political or corporate contexts.

  • The president of the United States made an important announcement.
  • She was elected as the president of the company last year.
leader

A broad term that can be used in many contexts to refer to the person who guides or directs a group, whether officially or informally. This term emphasizes the influence and guidance provided by the person.

  • Our team leader is very inspirational.
  • He is considered a natural leader by everyone in the office.
head

Typically used in more everyday or informal situations to refer to the person in charge of a department, team, or group. It can also be used in an academic context as a title for the person running a department.

  • She is the head of the marketing department.
  • Dr. Smith is the head of the Science Department at the university.

Examples of usage

  • The chair called the meeting to order.
  • She will be the chair of the organizing committee.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Chairs have been around since ancient Egypt, often used by pharaohs and important people during ceremonies.
  • The word 'chair' comes from the Latin 'cathedra,' which means a seat or throne.
  • In medieval times, chairs were symbols of power, as only the wealthy could own them.

Design and Function

  • Chairs can be made from different materials like wood, metal, and plastic, each serving a unique purpose.
  • Ergonomic chairs are specially designed to provide good support to your body, especially for long hours of sitting.
  • There are many types of chairs, including rocking chairs, office chairs, and bean bags, showing how diverse seating can be.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the type and position of a chair can symbolize status; for example, the head of the table usually sits in the most impressive chair.
  • Some cultures have special chairs for ceremonial purposes, like the 'throne' often seen in royal settings.
  • In modern design, chairs can be artistic statements, with some famous chairs becoming iconic pieces of furniture.

Psychological Aspect

  • The act of sitting can influence mood; comfortable chairs can create a sense of relaxation and safety.
  • Seats in public spaces are often designed to promote social interaction or discourage long stays to manage space effectively.
  • Studies show that ergonomic seating can enhance concentration and productivity, especially in work environments.

Pop Culture

  • In the video game world, animated characters often use unusual chairs that reflect their quirky personalities.
  • In movies, how characters are shown sitting can indicate their status; powerful characters often occupy larger or more elaborate chairs.
  • Famous chair designs, like the Eames Lounge Chair, are celebrated in contemporary art and design exhibits.

Origin of 'chairs'

The word 'chair' originated from the Old French word 'chaire', which in turn came from the Latin word 'cathedra', meaning a seat. Over time, the word evolved to refer to a piece of furniture specifically designed for sitting. Chairs have been an essential part of human life for centuries, evolving in design and function to meet the changing needs of society.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,586 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.