Etymology
From Old French president, from Latin praesidÄ“ns (“presiding over; president, leaderâ€) (accusative: praesidentem). The Latin word is the substantivized present active participle of the verb praesideÅ (“preside overâ€). The verb is composed from prae (“beforeâ€) and sedeÅ (“sitâ€). The original meaning of the verb is 'to sit before' in the sense of presiding at a meeting. A secondary meaning of the verb is 'to command, to govern'. So praesidÄ“ns means 'the presiding one on a meeting' or 'governor, commander'.
Noun
president (plural presidents)
- The head of state of a republic
- The majority of presidents have been male.
- In presidential republics, the head of government and head of state.
- The primary leader of a corporation. Not to be confused with CEO, which is a related but separate position that is sometimes held by a different person.
- A person presiding over a meeting; a chair, presiding officer.
Derived terms
- ex-president
- president-elect
- presidential
- vice president
Credits
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