Preside: meaning, definitions and examples

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preside

 

[ prɪˈzaɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

formal meeting

To preside means to be in charge of a formal meeting or ceremony, making sure that it runs smoothly and according to the rules. The person presiding over a meeting is responsible for maintaining order, recognizing speakers, and ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to express their views.

Synonyms

chair, conduct, moderate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preside

Used when someone is in charge of a formal event, meeting, or ceremony, often in an official capacity.

  • She will preside over the annual shareholders' meeting
  • The judge presides in the courtroom
chair

Typically used when someone is leading a meeting, committee, or organization, often on a regular basis.

  • He will chair the committee meeting next Monday
  • She was elected to chair the board of directors
moderate

Used when someone is facilitating a discussion or debate, ensuring that it proceeds smoothly and fairly.

  • She will moderate the panel discussion at the conference
  • The TV host moderated the political debate
conduct

Used when someone is leading or managing an activity, event, or group, with a focus on the process and execution.

  • The professor will conduct the research study
  • He conducted the orchestra with great skill

Examples of usage

  • The judge will preside over the trial.
  • The chairman will preside at the annual general meeting.
  • She will preside over the ceremony.
Context #2 | Verb

authority

To preside can also refer to exercising authority or control over a situation or group of people. It implies leadership and decision-making responsibilities.

Synonyms

govern, lead, oversee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preside

This word is typically used in formal contexts where someone is in charge of a meeting, ceremony, or formal event.

  • The judge will preside over the court proceedings.
  • She was invited to preside at the annual conference.
govern

Governing refers to the act of ruling or managing a state, organization, or group. It often implies having authority and control.

  • The president will govern the country for the next four years.
  • The board of directors governs the organization's policies and objectives.
oversee

Oversee is often used when someone is responsible for supervising or managing a task or group to ensure things are done correctly.

  • The supervisor will oversee the construction project.
  • He was hired to oversee the company's new marketing campaign.
lead

Lead is a more general term and can be used in various contexts where someone is guiding, directing, or influencing others. It does not necessarily imply formal authority.

  • She was chosen to lead the project team.
  • A good manager knows how to lead by example.

Examples of usage

  • The president presides over the country's affairs.
  • The CEO presides over the company.

Translations

Translations of the word "preside" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presidir

🇮🇳 अध्यक्षता करना

🇩🇪 vorsitzen

🇮🇩 memimpin

🇺🇦 головувати

🇵🇱 przewodniczyć

🇯🇵 議長を務める (ぎちょうをつとめる)

🇫🇷 présider

🇪🇸 presidir

🇹🇷 başkanlık yapmak

🇰🇷 주재하다

🇸🇦 ترأس

🇨🇿 předsedat

🇸🇰 predsedávať

🇨🇳 主持 (zhǔchí)

🇸🇮 predsedovati

🇮🇸 stýra

🇰🇿 төрағалық ету

🇬🇪 თავმჯდომარეობა

🇦🇿 sədrlik etmək

🇲🇽 presidir

Etymology

The word 'preside' originates from the Latin word 'praesidere', which means 'to preside over' or 'to have charge of'. The term has been in use since the 15th century and has evolved to signify authority, leadership, and control in various contexts.

See also: presidency, president.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,645, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.