head-master
Definition
- Noun:
- The principal of a school: "head-master" refers to the person who serves as the chief administrator and leader of a school, particularly in British English contexts. This individual is responsible for overseeing the educational institution, managing staff, and ensuring academic standards.
Usage Examples
- (The school principal spoke to the students.)
- (She became the chief administrator of that school.)
Advanced Usage
"head-master's office": the administrative room where the head-master conducts official duties.
- The student was called to the head-master's office for a meeting. (The student was summoned to the principal's office.)
"acting head-master": a person temporarily performing the duties of the head-master.
- During the head-master's illness, the deputy served as acting head-master. (The deputy temporarily took charge.)
Variants and Related Words
Headmistress (n): the female equivalent of a head-master, typically used for a female principal of a school.
- The headmistress of the girls' school was highly respected. (The female principal was admired.)
Headteacher (n): a more modern term, used interchangeably with head-master, especially in state schools in the UK.
- The headteacher announced new policies for the upcoming term. (The school leader made the announcement.)
Synonyms
- Principal: the head of a school (common in American English).
- School director: a person who directs and manages a school.
Related Idioms
- To be the head-master of one's own destiny: to be in control of one's own life or fate.
- He believes in being the head-master of his own destiny, making all his own decisions. (He takes full responsibility for his life.)
Notes on Usage
- The term "head-master" is primarily used in British English and is more formal than "headteacher." In American English, "principal" is the standard term.
- The hyphenated form "head-master" is less common than the single-word "headmaster," but both are acceptable.