President Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จโโ๏ธ
president
[หprษzษชd(ษ)nt ]
Definition
politics
The elected head of a republic, especially of the United States.
Synonyms
chief executive, head of state, leader.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| president |
This word can also be used in the context of organizations, clubs, or entities where someone holds the highest position.
|
| chief executive |
Generally used in a corporate setting to describe the highest-ranking executive officer in a company, also known as CEO.
|
| head of state |
A formal title for the public representative of a country, often in countries with a separation between the head of state and the head of government.
|
| leader |
A general term that can apply to anyone in a significant position of influence or command, not necessarily in a formal or official capacity.
|
Examples of usage
- The president of the United States is the most powerful political figure in the country.
- The president serves a four-year term in office.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word originates from the Latin 'praesidens', meaning 'sitting before' or 'presiding over'.
- The first known use in English dates back to the 14th century, initially referring to a person in charge of meetings or assemblies.
- The term became broadly defined with the establishment of the United States presidency in 1789.
Political System
- In many countries, the president is elected by the people, symbolizing democratic choice and governance.
- Some nations, like the United States, have a strong presidential system where the president holds significant powers.
- In contrast, other countries have parliamentary systems where a president's role may be more ceremonial than executive.
Cultural Representation
- Presidents often appear in films and literature, symbolizing authority, responsibility, and ethical dilemmas.
- Fictional presidents in media can reflect the public's ideas about leadership, such as 'President Josiah Bartlet' in 'The West Wing'.
- In political cartoons, presidents are frequently depicted to critique their decisions and policies, shaping public perception.
Global Significance
- The role of a president varies significantly across cultures, affecting international relations and diplomacy.
- Presidents can serve as symbols of national identity and unity, especially during times of crisis.
- Major global issues, like climate change and economic policy, are often influenced heavily by presidential actions.
Psychological Impact
- The decisions made by presidents can influence public mood and societal behavior, particularly during elections.
- Research indicates that the personality traits of a president can affect their leadership style and public reception.
- Contemporary studies show that presidential approval ratings can dramatically shift based on major political events or crises.
Origin of 'president'
The word 'president' originates from the Latin word 'praesidฤre', which means 'to sit before' or 'to preside over'. The concept of a president as the head of a country or organization dates back to ancient Rome. In the United States, the role of the president was established by the Constitution in 1787, with George Washington becoming the first president in 1789.
See also: preside, presidency.