preside
pri-ZAYD
/prɪˈzaɪd/
To be in the position of authority in a meeting, court, or organization; to exercise guidance or control.
Implies a formal, objective role of maintaining order and procedure, like a judge or chairperson, rather than imposing personal will.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'praesidere', which literally means 'to sit before' or 'to guard' (from 'prae', before, and 'sedere', to sit). It originally referred to a protector or guardian who sat in front of a temple or city gate.
Word relationships
- chair: 'Chair' is a more modern, business-oriented verb for leading a meeting, while 'preside' is more formal and carries judicial or ceremonial weight.
- moderate: 'Moderate' suggests keeping a discussion balanced and neutral, whereas 'preside' emphasizes holding the official seat of authority.
- follow: 'Follow' is to accept the direction of the leader, whereas 'preside' is to provide that direction.
- participate: 'Participate' implies being an equal member of a group, while 'preside' means standing above to guide the process.
Commonly confused with
- reside: 'Reside' means to live in a particular place, whereas 'preside' means to sit in a position of authority.
Word family
- president (noun): The elected head of a republican state, or the head of an organization.
- presidency (noun): The office or term of a president.
Collocations
- preside over a meeting
- preside over a court
- presiding officer
- preside over a ceremony
Example sentences
- "The chairperson will preside over the annual shareholder meeting tomorrow morning." A formal corporate meeting.
- "Chief Justice Marshall was chosen to preside over the landmark constitutional case." A legal proceeding in a high court.
Memory hook
Think of a 'president' who sits 'pre' (before) the crowd to 'preside' over the meeting. Sit before others to lead.
When not to use
Do not use when describing direct, aggressive, or hands-on physical labor.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, the 'praeses' was a governor or protector who literally sat in the front seat of assembly halls to maintain order.
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