What does preside mean?
Preside means to serve as the chairperson or person in authority at a meeting, proceeding, or formal event, as in “preside over the hearing.” It can more broadly describe exercising leadership or oversight over an organization, activity, or field. The standard construction is “preside over” when referring to a meeting, organization, or event being managed, whereas “preside at” often introduces a ceremony or formal occasion. Although the word is formal and frequently associated with courts, committees, conferences, and public institutions, it is not restricted to political settings. Its historical sense of sitting in a position of authority gives it a strong connotation of order, impartiality, and responsibility, making it especially useful when describing a person who manages proceedings or leads an important body.
To act as the chairperson or official in charge of a meeting, proceeding, or ceremony.
"The judge presided over the trial with great care."
Usually used in the formal constructions “preside over” and “preside at.”
To exercise authority, leadership, or oversight over an organization, activity, or sphere of life.
"She presided over the expansion of the research program."
This broader sense is often used for long periods of leadership or responsibility.
Preside literally means to sit before: the word comes from Latin praesidere, combining “before” with “to sit,” originally evoking the idea of sitting in authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preside come from?
Preside comes from the Latin praesidere, formed from prae-, meaning “before,” and sedere, meaning “to sit.” The original sense referred to sitting in a position of authority, especially as a judge or presiding official, and the modern English meaning developed from that broader idea of authority and oversight. The root is also present in words such as reside, subside, sediment, and sedate.
Related word forms
How preside is actually used
The phrase “preside over” is the usual construction for chairing a meeting or overseeing an organization, while “preside at” is commonly used for a ceremony, hearing, or formal occasion. The word has a formal and institutional tone.
Easily confused with preside
To preside means to chair or oversee an event or organization, whereas to precede means to come or occur before something else.