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Presidential: meaning, definitions and examples

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presidential

 

[ˌprɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

politics

Relating to a president or presidency.

Synonyms

presidentially.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
presidential

Used to describe something related to a president or their duties. Often used in formal contexts or when referring to authority and leadership.

  • She gave a presidential address to the nation.
  • The presidential election will be held next month.
presidentially

Refers to the manner in which an action is carried out by a president or in a manner befitting a president. It is an adverb and is used to describe how something is done.

  • He acted presidentially, showing great leadership during the crisis.
  • The policy was presidentially endorsed and implemented.

Examples of usage

  • The presidential election is coming up next year.
  • The presidential debate will be broadcasted live on TV.
Context #2 | Adjective

formal

Behaving in a way that is typical of a president, especially in being dignified and fair.

Synonyms

dignified, fair, statesmanlike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
presidential

Used when referring to qualities or behaviors typical of a president, such as leadership, authority, and decision-making.

  • His speech was very presidential, inspiring confidence in the audience.
  • She acted in a presidential manner during the crisis, showing clear leadership.
dignified

Used to describe someone who is calm, serious, and has a composed manner, especially in difficult situations.

  • He remained dignified even when he was unjustly criticized.
  • Her dignified acceptance of the award was widely admired.
fair

Used when describing someone who is just, impartial, and unbiased, especially in making decisions or judgments.

  • She is known for being fair in her assessments and decisions.
  • The judge gave a fair ruling based on the evidence presented.
statesmanlike

Used to describe behavior or actions that are characteristic of a statesman or political leader, showing wisdom, foresight, and maturity.

  • His statesmanlike approach during the negotiations earned him respect.
  • She gave a statesmanlike speech that addressed both sides of the issue.

Examples of usage

  • She gave a very presidential speech at the conference.
  • His actions were seen as very presidential by the public.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'presidential' comes from the Latin 'praesidens', meaning 'sitting before' or 'overseeing', which reflects the role of a leader.
  • It became more common in the English language in the early 19th century, particularly in the context of American politics.

Political Structure

  • In many countries, the presidential system separates powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, allowing for checks and balances.
  • The role of a president often includes serving as the head of state, government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Pop Culture

  • Presidential elections often become a source of media frenzy, with candidates’ campaigns featuring prominently in news, movies, and shows.
  • Fictional depictions of presidents in movies often shape public perception of leaders, influencing how people view actual presidents.

Global Variations

  • Countries like the United States and Brazil have strong presidential systems, while others like France have a semi-presidential system where power is shared with a prime minister.
  • In some nations, such as Switzerland, there is a collective presidency where a group rotates the role instead of having a single leader.

Historical Significance

  • The first president of the United States, George Washington, set many precedents for the office, such as a two-term limit.
  • The role has evolved over centuries, including a shift in responsibilities, like expanded foreign affairs roles during the Cold War.

Translations

Translations of the word "presidential" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presidencial

🇮🇳 राष्ट्रपति के

🇩🇪 präsidentiell

🇮🇩 presiden

🇺🇦 президентський

🇵🇱 prezydencki

🇯🇵 大統領の

🇫🇷 présidentiel

🇪🇸 presidencial

🇹🇷 başkanlık

🇰🇷 대통령의

🇸🇦 رئاسي

🇨🇿 prezidentský

🇸🇰 prezidentský

🇨🇳 总统的

🇸🇮 predsedniški

🇮🇸 forseta-

🇰🇿 президенттік

🇬🇪 პრეზიდენტის

🇦🇿 prezident

🇲🇽 presidencial

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,839 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.