Deputy: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to refer to someone who is second-in-command and can take over responsibilities when the primary person is unavailable. Often seen in formal or professional settings.

• The deputy sheriff took charge when the sheriff was on leave.
• In the CEO's absence, the deputy made all executive decisions.

Used to describe someone who supports a higher-ranking individual by performing specific tasks or duties. Commonly used in various job roles such as administrative, personal assistants, or assistant managers.

• The assistant prepared the documents before the meeting.
• She works as an assistant to the marketing director.

Commonly used when a person or thing replaces another for a certain period. Often seen in academic or sports contexts but applicable in various situations.

• The substitute teacher will be here for the next two weeks.
• We need to find a substitute player for the match on Friday.

Refers to someone authorized to represent others, often in conferences, meetings, or official capacities. It can also mean to assign tasks to others.

• The country sent a delegate to the United Nations meeting.
• The manager decided to delegate the project tasks to the team members.

Used for someone who is second in command or an assistant who takes over in the absence of a superior.

• Sara is the deputy manager and will handle this project while the manager is on leave

Used for someone who acts or speaks for another person or group, usually in a formal or official capacity.

• The union representative addressed the concerns of the employees in the meeting

Used for someone authorized to act on behalf of another, often in legal or formal situations.

• John was appointed as her proxy to vote on her behalf at the shareholders' meeting

Used for someone who temporarily takes the place of another, often in performance or casual situations.

• During the rehearsal, the actor’s stand-in took over his role because he was sick

Generally used to refer to someone appointed to assist or act for a higher authority or superior, often in a governmental or administrative context.

• The deputy will handle the mayor's duties while she's away.
• He was appointed as the deputy to the company's CEO.

Refers to someone who is the next rank below the leader and is responsible for taking over if the leader is unavailable. It is often used in military, corporate, or organizational settings.

• In the event of the captain's absence, the lieutenant will act as the second-in-command.
• The vice president serves as the second-in-command in our company.

Used in organizations, particularly in law enforcement or fire departments, to refer to someone who assists the chief officer. It signifies a high-ranking position just below the chief.

• The assistant chief is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the police department.
• As the assistant chief of the fire department, she oversees all training sessions.

Refers specifically to an officer who works under the sheriff in law enforcement. It denotes a formal position within a sheriff's department.

• The sheriff's deputy patrolled the county road looking for any signs of trouble.
• As the sheriff's deputy, his duties included serving warrants and providing court security.