Headman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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headman

[ˈhɛdmən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

leadership

A headman is a leader or chief of a community or group of people, typically in a rural area.

Synonyms

captain, chief, leader.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
headman	Used in traditional or tribal settings to describe the leader of a small community or village. The headman of the village gathered everyone for an important announcement
leader	A general term that can be used in a wide variety of contexts, describing anyone who guides or directs a group, team, or organization. The leader of the project assigned tasks to each team member She is a natural leader who inspires everyone around her
chief	Often used in both formal and informal settings to refer to the person in the highest position of authority in an organization or group. Can sometimes have a spiritual or tribal connotation. The fire chief coordinated the rescue efforts The tribal chief welcomed the visitors with a traditional ceremony
captain	Best used in military, sports, or nautical contexts to denote the leader or the one in charge. The captain of the ship navigated through the storm The football team's captain scored the winning goal

Examples of usage

The headman of the village made important decisions for the community.
The headman was respected by all the villagers for his wisdom and fairness.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

British historical context

In British historical context, a headman was a person in charge of a particular department or group of workers, especially in mining or industrial settings.

Synonyms

foreman, manager, supervisor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
headman	Headman is typically used in traditional or tribal settings to refer to the leader of a community or group. It is not commonly used in modern corporate environments. The headman of the village gathered everyone for an important announcement. In tribal cultures, the headman holds significant responsibility and respect.
supervisor	Supervisor is used in various settings, including corporate, retail, and manufacturing, to describe someone who has the authority to oversee and guide the work of others. It often implies direct oversight of daily activities. The supervisor walked around the shop floor to ensure everything was running smoothly. If you have any issues with your tasks, please consult your supervisor.
foreman	Foreman is used in industrial or construction settings to refer to a person who supervises and directs workers. It's most appropriate for blue-collar jobs. The foreman ensured that all safety protocols were followed on the construction site. The foreman assigned tasks to each member of the team for the day.
manager	Manager is widely used in corporate or business environments to refer to someone who is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing the operations and employees of a department or team. The project manager scheduled a meeting to discuss the new initiatives. She was promoted to a managerial position after years of hard work.

Examples of usage

The headman oversaw the work of the miners in the coal mine.
The headman of the factory ensured that production ran smoothly.

Translations

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

Origin of 'headman'

The word 'headman' dates back to the late 16th century, derived from the combination of 'head' and 'man'. It originally referred to a chief or leader of a group of people. Over time, the term has been used in various contexts to denote a person in a position of authority or leadership. The role of a headman has evolved to encompass different fields and industries, reflecting the changing social and organizational structures.