preside

[ pri-zahyd ]

verb (used without object)

, pre·sid·ed, pre·sid·ing.

1. to occupy the place of authority or control, as in an assembly or meeting; act as president or chairperson.
2. to exercise management or control (usually followed by over ):

   The lawyer presided over the estate.

preside

/ prɪˈzaɪd /

verb

1. to sit in or hold a position of authority, as over a meeting
2. to exercise authority; control
3. to occupy a position as an instrumentalist

   he presided at the organ

Derived Forms

• preˈsider, noun

Other Words From

• pre·sider noun
• unpre·siding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preside¹

1605–15; < Latin praesidēre to preside over, literally, sit in front of, equivalent to prae- pre- + -sidēre, combining form of sedēre to sit ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of preside¹

C17: via French from Latin praesidēre to superintend, from prae before + sedēre to sit

Example Sentences

Mark Lazarus, who has presided over NBC Sports and NBCUniversal’s networks business for more than a decade, will lead the new company, the knowledgeable people said.

From Los Angeles Times

The presiding judge had to intervene to bring the argument to an end.

From BBC

Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, economic confidence sagged under Obama and Biden, even as they presided over stunning recoveries.

From Salon

Head coach Warren Gatland has presided over statistically the worst Wales' side in their 143-year international rugby history - slumping to a record 11th successive Test match loss with the 52-20 hammering against Australia.

From BBC

The person who must decide is Andrew Stewart, better known by his judicial title, Lord Ericht, who is presiding over this judicial review of the UK government's decisions to approve the fields.

From BBC

Related Words

• administer
• chair
• govern
• officiate
• ordain
• oversee
• supervise