What does "conducting" mean?

1. (leading music) leading a group of musicians or singers by moving your hands or a stick. 2. (organising or doing) organising and carrying out a particular activity, like a study or a meeting. 3. (carrying energy) allowing electricity or heat to flow through a material. 4. (the act of directing music) the job or skill of a person who leads an orchestra.

How do you use "conducting"?

Often used with a direct object representing the musical group. Commonly collocates with 'research', 'experiment', 'interview', or 'investigation'.

conducting

v. · n.

US //kənˈdəktɪŋ// UK //kəndˈʌktɪŋ// con·duct·ing

1 leading music (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Music

leading a group of musicians or singers by moving your hands or a stick.

directing the performance of an orchestra, choir, or musical ensemble through rhythmic gestures.

Example

She has been conducting the local youth orchestra for over five years.

Example

Conducting a full symphony requires not only rhythmic precision but also a deep interpretive understanding of the composer's original intent.

Usage

Often used with a direct object representing the musical group.
- directing
- leading
2 organising or doing (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

organising and carrying out a particular activity, like a study or a meeting.

organising and carrying out a specific process, investigation, or set of actions.

Example

The scientists are conducting an experiment to see how plants grow in the dark.

Example

The department is currently conducting a thorough review of its safety protocols following the recent incident in the laboratory.

Usage

Commonly collocates with 'research', 'experiment', 'interview', or 'investigation'.

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3 carrying energy (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

allowing electricity or heat to flow through a material.

serving as a medium for the transmission of electrical energy or thermal heat.

Example

Copper is excellent at conducting electricity, which is why it is used in wires.

Example

The experiment demonstrated that certain polymers, while usually insulators, can be modified for conducting electrical charges under specific conditions.
- transmitting
- carrying
- insulating
4 the act of directing music (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Music

the job or skill of a person who leads an orchestra.

the art or profession of a conductor; the act of directing a musical ensemble.

Example

His conducting was praised by the critics for being very energetic.

Example

Her unique style of conducting brought a fresh perspective to the classical repertoire, earning her international acclaim.
- direction
- leadership