president elect
Definition
Noun (compound noun): A person who has been elected to the office of president but has not yet been formally installed or taken office.
- This term is used primarily in political contexts, especially for the period between the election and the inauguration. It applies to the head of state or government of a country, organization, or institution.
Usage Examples
- (The person elected as president, but not yet sworn in.)
- (The elected president before taking office.)
- (The chosen leader of a university before assuming the role.)
Advanced Usage
- "President-elect" is often capitalized when used as a title before a name: .
- The term implies a formal, legal status distinct from a candidate or incumbent. In the U.S., the president-elect receives security briefings and transition funding before inauguration.
- "President-elect" can also be used metaphorically for leaders of non-governmental bodies: .
Variants and Related Words
- Presidential (adj): relating to a president or presidency.
- The presidential election is held every four years. (Related to the office of president.)
- Presidency (n): the office or term of a president.
- His presidency began in January. (The period when he serves as president.)
Synonyms
- Incoming president: the person who will soon become president.
- President-designate: a formal term for someone chosen but not yet in office.
Related Idioms
- Lame duck: an official whose term is ending and has limited power, often contrasted with a president-elect.
- The lame duck president signed few bills, while the president-elect prepared his cabinet. (The outgoing president with little influence.)
Notes
- The term is hyphenated, but some style guides allow "president elect" without a hyphen. Both forms are acceptable, though "president-elect" is more common.
- It is not used for vice presidents or other elected officials unless specified (e.g., "vice president-elect").