conductor
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the person who stands in front of an orchestra or choir and directs how they play or sing.
the director of an orchestra, choir, or other musical ensemble who coordinates the performance through visible gestures.
Simple“The conductor raised her baton, and the entire orchestra became silent.”
In context“The guest conductor was praised for his nuanced interpretation of the symphony, particularly his control over the woodwind section during the second movement.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a person on a train, bus, or tram who checks tickets and helps passengers.
a transit employee responsible for collecting fares, verifying tickets, and ensuring passenger safety.
Simple“The conductor walked through the train cars to check everyone's tickets.”
In context“The conductor informed the passengers that the delay was due to a signalling fault and offered assistance with connecting travel arrangements.”
Synonymsticket inspectorguard - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a material that allows heat or electricity to flow through it easily.
a substance or medium that conducts heat, light, sound, or especially an electric current.
Simple“Copper is a very good conductor of electricity, which is why it is used in wires.”
In context“Silver is the most effective thermal conductor among metals, though its high cost usually precludes its use in industrial heat exchangers.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
a person who leads or guides others.
one who leads, guides, or directs the course of others; a person in a position of leadership.
Simple“He acted as the conductor of the project, making sure everyone stayed on task.”
In context“History remembers her as a primary conductor of the movement, orchestrating the various factions into a single, cohesive political force.”
“In Musgrave's Clarinet Concerto, the clarinettist walks around the orchestra and controls the flow of the piece as much as the conductor.”
“A V-shaped stage encloses conductor Oliver Cope and Sinfonia Smith Square at its centre.”
Borrowed from Middle French conductour, from Old French conduitor, from Latin conductor.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.