Conductor: meaning, definitions and examples

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conductor

 

[ kənˈdʌktər ]

Context #1 | Noun

music

A person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir.

Synonyms

director, leader, maestro.

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Word Description / Examples
conductor

Refers to a material or object that permits the flow of electrical current or heat.

  • Copper is a good conductor of electricity
  • Metal makes an excellent thermal conductor
maestro

Refers specifically to a distinguished musician, particularly one who leads an orchestra or musical ensemble. The term carries a sense of high respect and expertise.

  • The audience eagerly awaited the performance conducted by the maestro
  • He is a maestro on the piano, captivating everyone with his skill
director

Refers to a person who oversees the creative aspects of a film, play, or television production. Can also denote a high-level executive in a business or organization who makes key decisions.

  • The film director had a unique vision for the movie
  • The board of directors met to discuss the company's future
leader

Refers to a person who guides or inspires others within a group, organization, or country. The term is versatile and applies to various situations including politics, business, and social groups.

  • She is a natural leader who always motivates her team
  • The country's leader addressed the nation in a televised speech

Examples of usage

  • The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra began to play.
  • The conductor guided the choir through the complex piece of music.
Context #2 | Noun

transport

A person who collects fares on a bus or train.

Synonyms

fare collector, ticket collector.

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Word Description / Examples
conductor

Refers to someone responsible for the operation and safety of a train, tram, or a similar form of transport. This person ensures that everything runs smoothly during the journey.

  • The conductor announced the next stop over the intercom
  • The train conductor checked my ticket before I boarded
ticket collector

Describes a person responsible for verifying and collecting tickets from passengers. This can apply to various transportation forms, such as trains, buses, and sometimes at entrances to events.

  • The ticket collector punched a hole in my ticket
  • Before entering the stadium, I handed my ticket to the ticket collector
fare collector

Used for someone whose primary duty is to collect money from passengers. This term is often associated with public transportation like buses and trams.

  • The fare collector asked everyone to have their money ready
  • As soon as I boarded the bus, the fare collector approached me

Examples of usage

  • The conductor checked my ticket before I could board the train.
  • The bus conductor was responsible for handling the passengers' payments.
Context #3 | Noun

physics

A material or device that conducts or transmits heat, electricity, or sound.

Synonyms

conduit, transmitter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conductor

Used to refer to someone who directs an orchestra or a music performance. It can also describe a material that allows the flow of electrical current.

  • The conductor of the orchestra received a standing ovation.
  • Copper is an excellent electrical conductor.
transmitter

Used to refer to a device or person that sends out signals or messages, often in the context of communication technology.

  • The radio station had a powerful transmitter.
  • The disease acted as a transmitter of the virus.
conduit

Often used to describe a means or channel for transmitting something, usually referring to physical pipes for liquids or cables for electricity or data.

  • The water flowed through a conduit underneath the street.
  • The internet cables were laid out through a hidden conduit.

Examples of usage

  • Copper is a good conductor of electricity.
  • The metal rod acted as a conductor for the heat in the experiment.

Translations

Translations of the word "conductor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condutor

🇮🇳 चालक

🇩🇪 Schaffner

🇮🇩 konduktor

🇺🇦 кондуктор

🇵🇱 kondutor

🇯🇵 指揮者 (shikisha)

🇫🇷 conducteur

🇪🇸 conductor

🇹🇷 kondüktör

🇰🇷 지휘자 (jihwija)

🇸🇦 موصل

🇨🇿 průvodčí

🇸🇰 sprievodca

🇨🇳 指挥 (zhǐhuī)

🇸🇮 spremljevalec

🇮🇸 leiðari

🇰🇿 кондуктор

🇬🇪 კონტოლიორი

🇦🇿 konduktor

🇲🇽 conductor

Etymology

The word 'conductor' originated in the 15th century from the Latin word 'conductus', which means 'to lead or guide'. Initially used in the context of music to refer to someone who directs an orchestra, the term later expanded to include individuals in transportation and physics. Over time, 'conductor' has become widely recognized in various fields for its role in guiding, collecting, or transmitting.

See also: conduct, conducting, conductive, conductors, misconduct, nonconductor.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,309 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.