Presidential Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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presidential

[หŒprษ›zษชหˆdษ›nสƒษ™l ]

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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 candidatesโ€™ 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.

Origin of 'presidential'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'presidential' originated in the early 19th century in the United States, derived from the noun 'president' with the suffix '-ial' indicating 'relating to or characterized by'. It was first used in the context of the presidency of the United States and has since become a widely used term in political discourse.


See also: presidentially, presidents.

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.