French word

présider

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁezide/

Meaning

  • verbchair

Example

Il préside la réunion.

He chairs the meeting.

Illustration for présider (chair)

More examples

Elle préside l'assemblée générale.

She chairs the general assembly.

Core concept

The central chairperson guides a committee or session through its discussion and decisions.

Common phrases

  • présider une réunion

    chair a meeting

  • présider une assemblée

    chair an assembly

  • présider un comité

    chair a committee

Similar words

diriger: Head a team or organization and direct its policies and activities.
conduire: Conduct a meeting or debate and guide it to the next stage.
présenter: Introduce information or a person to an audience and explain it.
organiser: Organize an event or meeting by planning and coordinating its details.

Definition in French

Assumer la fonction de président d'une réunion, d'un comité ou d'une séance et diriger les discussions.

Word origin

The verb derives from Latin praesidere through Old French, combining prae, 'before', with sedere, 'to sit', for someone seated in a position of oversight.

Usage tips

  • Présider has a formal institutional register, while animer commonly describes leading an informal event and présenter often describes hosting a show.

Other meanings

  • preside oververb

Related words

Word lists with this word