Reading Theme:
Chairman Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：meeting leader (chairman)
chairman
/ˈtʃɛrmən/
n.
The person who leads a meeting, makes sure everyone follows the rules, and guides the discussion.
meeting leader
➕
/ˈmiːtɪŋ ˈliːdər/
n.
A person who presides over a meeting, ensuring order and guiding discussion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'chair' (seat of authority, from Latin cathedra) + 'man' (person).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a man in a big chair, holding a gavel, guiding a meeting.
📖 Example
At the community meeting, the chairman skillfully guided the discussion about the new park.
At the community meeting, the chairman skillfully guided the discussion about the new park.
🔗 Collocations
chairman of the meeting – The person responsible for leading a specific meeting
acting chairman – A person temporarily fulfilling the chairman's duties
chairman's gavel – A small hammer used by the chairman to signal order
🔄 Synonyms
president (n.) – The head of a meeting or organization, similar to chairman
moderator (n.) – A person who moderates a discussion, ensuring fairness
chairperson (n.) – A gender-neutral term for a chairman
🚫 Antonyms
attendee (n.) – A person who attends a meeting but does not lead it
subordinate (n.) – A person lower in rank, under the chairman's authority
🌱 Derivatives
chairmanship (n.) – The position or office of a chairman
chairwoman (n.) – A female chairman
chairperson (n.) – A gender-neutral term for chairman
📖 Cultural Story
Originating in the 17th century, 'chairman' referred to the person who sat in a chair to lead a formal meeting. The physical seat symbolized authority and control.
Meaning 2：board leader (chairman)
chairman
/ˈtʃɛrmən/
n.
The person who is the leader of a company's board of directors, often the highest position in the company.
board leader
➕
/bɔːrd ˈliːdər/
n.
The highest-ranking officer on a company's board of directors, responsible for overseeing corporate strategy and governance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The board of directors elected a new chairman to guide the company's future strategy.
The board of directors elected a new chairman to guide the company's future strategy.
🔗 Collocations
chairman of the board – The head of a company's board of directors
executive chairman – A chairman who is also involved in day-to-day management
non-executive chairman – A chairman who does not hold an executive role in the company
🔄 Synonyms
president (n.) – Often used interchangeably with chairman in some contexts, but typically refers to the head of an organization
board chair (n.) – A shorter term for chairman of the board
chief director (n.) – A senior director who may chair the board
🚫 Antonyms
shareholder (n.) – An owner of shares, not necessarily in a leadership role
employee (n.) – A staff member under the board's authority
🌱 Derivatives
chairmanship (n.) – The position of chairman of a board
vice-chairman (n.) – A deputy chairman, second in command
chairwoman (n.) – A female chairman
Wordbook
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