Steward Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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steward

[หˆstjuหษ™rd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a plane

A person who serves passengers on an aircraft, ensuring their comfort and safety during the flight.

Synonyms

airline attendant, flight attendant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
steward

Typically used in a more traditional or old-fashioned sense, often referring to male cabin crew members. It can also refer to individuals managing events or venues beyond airlines.

  • The steward served meals to the passengers during the flight.
  • At the theater, the steward guided us to our seats.
flight attendant

The most modern, gender-neutral term used to describe cabin crew members who assist passengers on flights.

  • The flight attendant provided excellent service throughout the flight.
  • If you need anything, just ask the flight attendant.
airline attendant

A somewhat outdated term, but still understood. It generally refers to cabin crew members on commercial flights.

  • The airline attendant demonstrated the safety procedures before takeoff.
  • She worked as an airline attendant for over ten years.

Examples of usage

  • The steward demonstrated how to use the safety equipment.
  • The stewardess offered drinks to the passengers.
Context #2 | Noun

at an event

A person who supervises or manages an event or organization, typically in a supportive or administrative role.

Synonyms

manager, supervisor.

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Word Description / Examples
steward

Typically used in the context of managing resources, property, or people, especially in roles related to hospitality, transportation (like airplanes), or event management.

  • The steward guided the passengers to their seats.
  • As a steward of the event, she oversaw the catering and logistics.
supervisor

Often used in workplace settings where someone is responsible for overseeing employees and ensuring that tasks or jobs are completed correctly. It can carry a slightly more authoritative or regulatory connotation.

  • The supervisor checked in with each worker to monitor their progress.
  • She reported directly to her supervisor about the day's issues.
manager

Commonly used in business environments where someone is responsible for managing a team, department, project, or operation.

  • The manager called for a team meeting to discuss the quarterly targets.
  • As a project manager, he ensures the project stays on schedule and within budget.

Examples of usage

  • The steward directed guests to their seats at the wedding.
  • The stewards were responsible for coordinating the volunteers at the charity event.
Context #3 | Noun

historical

A person employed to manage the property and finances of another, often a large household or estate.

Synonyms

administrator, manager.

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Word Description / Examples
steward

Typically used in the contexts of aviation, maritime, or event management. This role involves taking care of passengers or guests, ensuring their needs are met, and maintaining order.

  • The flight steward handed out drinks and snacks to the passengers
  • The event steward helped guests find their seats and manage their tickets
administrator

Commonly used in healthcare, education, or organizational settings. This role involves overseeing operations, managing records, and ensuring policies are followed.

  • The hospital administrator coordinated the schedules of doctors and nurses
  • The school administrator handled student records and academic policies
manager

Generally used in business and corporate environments. This role involves supervising staff, managing resources, and ensuring targets are met.

  • The sales manager set monthly targets for the team
  • The project manager oversaw the development of the new software application

Examples of usage

  • The steward oversaw the accounts and staff of the nobleman's estate.
  • The steward was trusted with the keys to the wine cellar.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, stewards are crucial in managing communal resources, reflecting their importance in social responsibility.
  • In the context of environmentalism, being a steward means protecting nature for future generations.
  • In many organizations, stewards are seen as leaders who promote teamwork and community well-being.

Literature

  • In old tales and epics, stewards often portrayed characters that represented loyalty and duty.
  • The role of a steward features prominently in Shakespeare's plays, often as a point of insight into the aristocratic lifestyle.
  • Modern literature often uses stewards as symbols of guardianship and caretaking within family or community dynamics.

Science

  • In ecology, a 'stewardship' approach emphasizes the responsible management of natural resources.
  • Scientific studies highlight the role of stewards in conservation efforts, showing how they help maintain biodiversity.
  • The concept of stewardship in science can also refer to data management, ensuring information is protected and utilized correctly.

Pop Culture

  • In video games, characters often take on steward roles, guiding players or protecting vital resources.
  • Movies frequently feature stewards in settings that range from grand estates to rustic farms, showcasing their varied responsibilities.
  • TV shows often highlight the relationship between stewards and their charges, emphasizing themes of loyalty and commitment to service.

Origin of 'steward'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'stigweard', meaning 'house guardian'.
  • In medieval times, stewards managed estates and looked after the lord's property.
  • The term evolved to include those who cared for ships, leading to its use in travel and hospitality.

The word 'steward' has roots in Old English, where it originally referred to a guardian or keeper of a household. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various roles, from managing estates to overseeing events. In the context of aviation, 'steward' became associated with the role of attending to passengers' needs on flights. The word reflects a sense of responsibility, care, and service, embodying the essence of looking after others.


See also: stew.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,222, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.