What does deputy mean?
A deputy is a person formally empowered to act in place of another — usually a superior — whether temporarily in their absence or permanently as their designated second-in-command. The word appears throughout public life: a deputy director runs an organization when its director cannot, a sheriff's deputy enforces law on behalf of the sheriff, and a deputy prime minister stands ready to step into the top job. In several countries, including France and Ireland, 'deputy' also names an elected member of the national legislature, reflecting the idea of one who is 'sent' to speak for others. Frequently used attributively before titles ('deputy editor', 'deputy chief'), the noun carries a neutral, institutional register and implies delegated rather than original authority. Its plural is simply 'deputies'. Related forms include the verb 'to deputize', meaning to act as someone's deputy, and 'deputation', a group sent to represent others.
A person appointed to act on behalf of another, typically a superior, especially in their absence or as second-in-command.
"The managing director left her deputy in charge of daily operations."
Often used attributively before a title, as in deputy director or deputy chief.
An elected member of a legislative body in certain countries, such as France or Ireland.
"The deputy raised concerns about the new agricultural policy during the parliamentary session."
This political sense reflects the French député and is mainly encountered in discussions of foreign legislatures.
Regular plural; the y changes to ies after the consonant p. Used only for the noun senses.
"Two deputies were dispatched to investigate the report."
The words 'deputy' and 'computer' are distant cousins — both trace back to the same Latin verb putare, 'to reckon or consider'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deputy
The word derives from the Latin verb deputare, meaning 'to allot, assign, or consider', formed from de- ('away, from') plus putare ('to reckon or think'). It entered English in the late Middle Ages through Old French deputer, initially carrying senses of assigning or delegating before settling into its modern meaning of one appointed to act for another. The same Latin root putare gave English a family of reckoning-related words, including compute, impute, repute, and dispute.
Related word forms
How deputy is actually used
Chiefly formal or institutional in tone. In British usage, 'deputy' commonly appears as a title modifier (deputy editor, deputy head), while American English more often uses 'vice-' or 'assistant'. As a countable noun it takes regular plural 'deputies'; the attributive sense remains singular.
Easily confused with deputy
A deputy acts generally on behalf of a superior's office or authority, while a delegate is sent specifically to represent someone at a particular event, meeting, or task.