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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Leadership: Definition, Usage & Key Qualities (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：the role of being in charge (leadership)

leadership 🔊

/ˈliːdəʃɪp/

the position or job of being the person in charge.

Leadership illustration: A confident female leader directing a team meeting in a modern office.

the role of being in charge 🔊

➕

/ðə roʊl əv ˈbiːɪŋ ɪn tʃɑːrdʒ/

This meaning refers to the official position or job title that involves being the top person responsible for directing an organization, team, or activity.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

The noun is formed by adding the suffix '-ship', which denotes state, condition, or quality, to the noun 'leader'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'lead' and 'ship'. A true leader is the captain who steers the ship, providing direction, confidence, and ensuring everyone works together to reach the destination.

📖 Example

After the successful launch of the new product, she took over the leadership of the tech company. 🔊 Following the positive reception of the new product, she accepted the top position and responsibility for running the technology firm.

🔗 Collocations

assume leadership – to formally take on the role of being in charge

under someone's leadership – while being guided or managed by a particular person in charge

show leadership – to demonstrate the qualities required for a leading position

🔄 Synonyms

command (n.) – the authority, especially over military or organizational forces.

control (n.) – the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

🚫 Antonyms

subordination (n.) – the state of being lower in rank or position; being subject to the authority of another.

followership (n.) – the capacity or willingness to follow a leader.

🌱 Derivatives

leader (n.) – a person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Old English 'lǣdan' (to lead) and the suffix '-ship', its concept is central to Anglo-Saxon society's emphasis on a 'cyning' (king) or 'ealdorman' (elder/chief) who led the community. Today, 'leadership' is a core concept in business, management, and organizational psychology, referring to both a formal position and the qualities required to effectively guide and inspire others.

Meaning 2：the ability to guide effectively (leadership)

leadership 🔊

/ˈliːdəʃɪp/

the skills and qualities that make a good leader.

Leadership concept: A group follows a symbolic arrow towards a goal, representing guidance and vision.

the ability to guide effectively 🔊

➕

/ðə əˈbɪləti tu ɡaɪd ɪˈfɛktɪvli/

This meaning refers to the set of skills, behaviors, and personal qualities that enable a person to guide, inspire, and influence others towards achieving a common goal.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

His calm and clear communication during the school project crisis showed true leadership. 🔊 His composed and straightforward way of communicating while the school project faced a major problem demonstrated genuine skill in guiding others.

🔗 Collocations

demonstrate leadership – to show the skills and qualities of a good leader through action

a leadership role – a position that requires using leadership skills

leadership skills – the specific abilities needed to lead effectively, such as communication and decision-making

🔄 Synonyms

guidance (n.) – advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty, especially as given by someone in authority.

direction (n.) – the management or guidance of someone or something.

🚫 Antonyms

ineffectiveness (n.) – the quality of not producing any significant or desired effect.

🌱 Derivatives

leader (n.) – a person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.

leading (adj.) – most important or in first position.