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Commissioner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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commissioner

[kษ™หˆmษชสƒ(ษ™)nษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

A person who is officially appointed to oversee or supervise a particular area of activity, especially in a public organization.

Synonyms

administrator, official, supervisor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commissioner

Used when referring to a person who has been given authority in a specific area by a government or official organization. Often found in law enforcement, sports, and public service.

  • The police commissioner held a press conference to discuss the new safety measures.
  • The league commissioner announced changes to the league's rules.
official

General term for someone holding a position of authority, usually within a government or organization. It can refer to elected, appointed, or hired individuals.

  • The government official announced new immigration policies.
  • The event official coordinated all the activities at the conference.
supervisor

Used in workplace settings to describe a person who oversees and manages the work of other employees. It often implies a direct line of authority and responsibility.

  • The supervisor conducted the annual performance reviews for all team members.
  • The construction supervisor ensured that all safety protocols were followed on the site.
administrator

Used to describe someone who manages and organizes the affairs of an organization or institution. Commonly found in academia, hospitals, and businesses.

  • The school administrator is responsible for ensuring that all educational programs are running smoothly.
  • The hospital administrator implemented new policies to improve patient care.

Examples of usage

  • The commissioner of police held a press conference to address the recent crime wave.
  • The commissioner of the National Football League made a decision to change the playoff format.
  • The commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration announced new regulations for food labeling.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

An official in a sports league responsible for enforcing the rules and ensuring fair play.

Synonyms

arbiter, referee, umpire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commissioner

A top official responsible for overseeing a specific department or organization. Often used in government or sports leagues.

  • The police commissioner gave a press conference about the new safety measures.
  • The league commissioner decided to postpone the game due to bad weather.
referee

An official who watches a game or match closely to enforce the rules and ensure fair play. Commonly used in sports.

  • The referee blew the whistle and awarded a penalty kick.
  • Both teams respected the decisions made by the referee.
umpire

Similar to a referee, but typically used in sports like baseball and cricket. Responsible for making decisions and enforcing rules.

  • The umpire called the pitch a strike.
  • Disputes over calls are often settled by the umpire on the field.
arbiter

A person who has the authority to settle disputes or make judgments. Used in legal or formal negotiation settings.

  • An arbiter was called in to resolve the contract dispute between the two companies.
  • The arbitration process required an impartial arbiter to ensure fairness.

Examples of usage

  • The basketball game was delayed as the commissioner reviewed a controversial call.
  • The baseball commissioner handed down a suspension to a player for violating league rules.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Government and Politics

  • In many countries, commissioners oversee various departments like health, education, or public safety.
  • An elected commissioner often has the power to make laws at a local level, impacting community policies directly.

Business and Economy

  • In the corporate world, some commissioners are appointed to regulate industries, ensuring fair practices.
  • Certain roles include financial commissioners who oversee budgets and spending in government or organizations.

Sports

  • In professional sports, the commissioner enforces rules and regulations. For instance, American football has a commissioner responsible for the leagueโ€™s operations.
  • Commissioners often play a crucial role in negotiating player contracts and scheduling games.

Art and Culture

  • In the art world, a commissioner might fund and initiate projects, promoting cultural events or exhibitions.
  • Historical figures, such as Medici in Renaissance Italy, acted as commissioners, supporting artists and shaping cultural practices.

Origin of 'commissioner'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'commissionem', meaning 'to entrust' or 'to send for a purpose'.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, used to describe someone appointed by authority.

The word 'commissioner' originated from the late Middle English term 'commissiounere', which was derived from the Anglo-French word 'commissiuner', ultimately from the Latin word 'commissio', meaning 'authorization, commission'. The usage of 'commissioner' in English dates back to the 14th century, where it referred to a person given a formal charge or authority to perform specific duties.

See also: commissionaire, decommissioning.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,706, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.