presiding
|pre-sid-ing|
/prɪˈzaɪdɪŋ/
(preside)
lead a meeting
Etymology
'preside' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praesidēre', where the prefix 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'sedēre' meant 'to sit'.
'praesidēre' passed into later Latin and Old French forms and through Middle English (e.g. 'presiden') and eventually became the modern English verb 'preside'.
Initially, it literally meant 'to sit before' (in the sense of sitting in front of others); over time it evolved into the broader sense 'to oversee, chair, or be in authority,' which is the current meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present-participle form of 'preside': to act as president, chair, or person in authority over a meeting, ceremony, court, etc.; to be in charge of or oversee.
She is presiding over the committee meeting today.
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Adjective 1
having the position and authority to lead or be in charge (often used in contexts like 'presiding judge' or 'presiding officer').
The presiding judge delivered the verdict.
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Last updated: 2025/11/24 10:15