Executive Definition: Top Company Leader Explained

Meaning 1：top company leader (executive)

executive 🔊

/ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/

A top leader in a company who makes big decisions and is responsible for the whole organization.

Executive pointing at chart in modern office meeting room

top company leader 🔊

➕

/tɒp ˈkʌmpəni ˈliːdər/

A high-ranking manager in an organization responsible for major decisions and overall performance.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin ex- (out) + sequi (follow) + -utive; literally 'one who follows out' orders.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'EXE' (computer executable) + 'CUT' + 'IVE' – the one who cuts through problems and executes plans.

📖 Example

The newly appointed executive quickly outlined a growth plan for the entire company. 🔊 The newly appointed top leader quickly outlined a growth plan for the entire company.

🔗 Collocations

chief executive – the highest-ranking executive in an organization

executive board – a group of top executives who govern an organization

executive decision – a decision made by an executive with authority

🔄 Synonyms

CEO (n.) – Chief Executive Officer, the top executive in a company.

director (n.) – A manager in charge of a department or division.

president (n.) – The head of an organization, often equivalent to a CEO.

🚫 Antonyms

subordinate (n.) – An employee who reports to a higher-ranking executive.

assistant (n.) – A person who helps an executive but has less authority.

intern (n.) – A trainee with minimal decision-making power.

🌱 Derivatives

executiveship (n.) – The position or role of an executive.

executively (adv.) – In an executive manner.

📖 Cultural Story

Entering English via late Middle English, 'executive' originally referred to a person executing laws. Today it denotes top corporate leaders who make strategic decisions.