Definition

1. Verb:
   • To act as the chairperson, leader, or person in authority at a formal meeting, ceremony, or event.
   • To exercise control, authority, or leadership over an organization, group, or activity.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The vice president will preside at the board meeting in the chairman's absence.
  • She presided over the committee with fairness and efficiency.
  • A judge presides over a court of law.

Advanced Usage

• "to preside at/over something": This is the most common construction, indicating the act of being in charge of a specific event, meeting, or organization.
  • He was asked to preside over the annual general assembly.
  • The dean presided at the graduation ceremony.

Variants and Related Words

• President (n): The person who presides over an organization, meeting, or, most commonly, a country or company.
  • The president of the club called the meeting to order.
• Presidency (n): The office or term of a president.
  • She announced her candidacy for the presidency.
• Presiding (adj): Currently holding the position of chairperson or leader.
  • The presiding officer announced the results.

Synonyms

• Chair: To act as the chairperson of a meeting.
• Moderate: To preside over a discussion or debate to ensure order.
• Oversee: To supervise or be in charge of a process or activity.

Related Phrases

• "to preside over the demise/decline of something": (Idiomatic) To be in charge during a period when something fails or deteriorates.
  • The CEO was accused of presiding over the decline of the company's market share.

Verb

1. act as president
   • preside over companies and corporations