# conducting

/kənˈdəktɪŋ/ (US) · /kəndˈʌktɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conducting
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. leading music

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 2. organising or doing

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. carrying energy

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

allowing electricity or heat to flow through a material.

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

- Copper is excellent at conducting electricity, which is why it is used in wires.
- The experiment demonstrated that certain polymers, while usually insulators, can be modified for conducting electrical charges under specific conditions.

### 4. the act of directing music

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- His conducting was praised by the critics for being very energetic.
- Her unique style of conducting brought a fresh perspective to the classical repertoire, earning her international acclaim.

## Examples

- She is studying orchestral conducting at the music academy.
- The guest's expressive style of conducting brought a fresh energy to the symphony's performance of the classic piece.
- While technical precision is essential, great conducting requires a deep psychological connection with the musicians to unify their individual interpretations into a single cohesive vision.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.