Executive: meaning, definitions and examples

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executive

 

[ ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv ]

Noun / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

business

A person with senior managerial responsibility in a business organization.

Synonyms

chief, director, manager.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
executive

A high-level individual in a company with significant decision-making authority. Suitable for describing senior roles with strategic responsibilities.

  • The executive decided to expand the business internationally
manager

An individual responsible for overseeing a team or department. Suitable for roles focused on supervision and operational tasks, rather than high-level strategy.

  • The store manager resolved the customer complaint quickly
director

A key person who oversees specific areas or departments within a company. Often used for titles related to departmental leadership.

  • The HR director implemented a new employee wellness program
chief

Typically used for the highest-ranking individual in an organization or a department. It indicates a commanding position and is often used in titles.

  • The chief financial officer presented the annual budget

Examples of usage

  • She was promoted to the executive level in the company.
  • The executives decided to launch a new marketing campaign.
Context #2 | Noun

government

A person or group having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization.

Synonyms

administrator, leader, official.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
executive

Used to describe a person who has a high-level position in a company, typically involving decision-making responsibilities.

  • The company's executive team is meeting today to discuss the new strategy
  • She works as an executive in a multinational firm
administrator

Applied when referring to someone who manages or oversees the operation of a system or organization, often in educational or governmental capacities.

  • The school administrator handled the budget for the upcoming year
  • As an IT administrator, he manages the network's security and efficiency
official

Typically refers to someone who holds a position of authority within an organization, such as a government or regulatory body. Often used in formal or bureaucratic contexts.

  • A government official will visit the site tomorrow
  • He has been elected as an official in the local council
leader

Appropriate for describing a person who guides or directs a group or organization, often inspiring others or setting an example.

  • She is a natural leader who knows how to motivate her team
  • The leader of the project ensured everyone was on the same page

Examples of usage

  • The executive branch of the government oversees the implementation of laws.
  • The executive board makes important decisions for the organization.
Context #3 | Adjective

business

Relating to or having the power to put plans or actions into effect.

Synonyms

administrative, decision-making, managerial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
executive

Use this word when referring to high-level responsibilities, often associated with making major decisions or leading an organization.

  • She was promoted to an executive position due to her leadership skills.
  • The executive team will present the company's new strategy.
administrative

Applicable in scenarios where tasks involve organizing, managing, or maintaining operations, typically supporting roles within an organization.

  • He handles the administrative work for the entire department.
  • There are several administrative procedures to follow before the event.
managerial

Appropriate in contexts related to management roles or duties, typically involving overseeing staff, operations, or projects.

  • Her managerial skills are a great asset to the company.
  • Managerial responsibilities include setting goals and monitoring performance.
decision-making

Relevant in situations focusing on the process of choosing among options or formulating a course of action, often involving evaluation and judgment.

  • Decision-making can be challenging when there are many good options.
  • Our team values collaborative decision-making processes.

Examples of usage

  • She has executive authority to make decisions for the project.
  • The executive team is responsible for implementing the new policies.

Translations

Translations of the word "executive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 executivo

🇮🇳 कार्यकारी

🇩🇪 Geschäftsführer

🇮🇩 eksekutif

🇺🇦 виконавчий

🇵🇱 dyrektor

🇯🇵 重役 (じゅうやく)

🇫🇷 exécutif

🇪🇸 ejecutivo

🇹🇷 yönetici

🇰🇷 임원

🇸🇦 تنفيذي

🇨🇿 výkonný

🇸🇰 výkonný

🇨🇳 执行官 (zhíxíng guān)

🇸🇮 izvršni

🇮🇸 framkvæmdastjóri

🇰🇿 атқарушы

🇬🇪 აღმასრულებელი

🇦🇿 icraçı

🇲🇽 ejecutivo

Etymology

The word 'executive' originated from the Latin word 'exsequor', meaning 'to follow out'. Over time, it evolved to refer to individuals with authority to carry out plans or decisions. In the business world, executives hold key roles in organizations, overseeing operations and making strategic decisions. In government, the executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. The term 'executive' is commonly associated with leadership and decision-making powers.

See also: executability, executable, executing, execution, executioner, executions, executively, executives, executor, executors.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,831, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.