Figurehead: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ค
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figurehead

 

[ หˆfษชษกษ™rhษ›d ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political role

A figurehead is a person who holds a nominal position of power or authority but has little actual power or influence. Figureheads often serve in ceremonial roles and may symbolize a larger organization or group without making meaningful decisions.

Synonyms

frontman, puppet, token leader.

Examples of usage

  • The queen serves as a figurehead in the British monarchy.
  • In many corporations, the CEO may act as a figurehead while the board makes crucial decisions.
  • Though he was the president, he was regarded as a figurehead by his critics.

Translations

Translations of the word "figurehead" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fantoche

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅเค–เฅŒเคŸเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Figurkopf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kepala boneka

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ั–ะณัƒั€ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ figurant

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ็›ฎไธŠใฎ้ ญ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท figure de proue

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tรญtere

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kukla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ช…๋ชฉ์ƒ์˜ ์ง€๋„์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆุงุฌู‡ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ figurant

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ figura

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‚€ๅ„ก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ lutka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ karl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ัƒั‹ั€ัˆะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒแƒฏแƒ˜แƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kukla

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tรญtere

Etymology

The term 'figurehead' originates from the nautical world, where it referred to a carved figure displayed at the prow of a ship. These carvings, often representing gods or mythological beings, were meant to honor and protect the vessel during its voyages. Over time, the term shifted from its maritime roots to describe individuals in a position of power who do not possess genuine authority. The metaphor suggests that, like the ornamental figurehead on a ship, these individuals serve a decorative or symbolic purpose rather than taking significant action or making impactful decisions. This evolution reflects broader social and political changes, where the distinction between appearance and substance became increasingly evident.