deputy
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person who is next in rank to a leader and can take their place if needed.
n.an official who acts as a substitute or assistant to a superior, empowered to perform their duties in their absence.
Simple“The deputy manager ran the office while the director was on holiday.”
In context“In the absence of the chairperson, the deputy is authorised to sign all legal documents and preside over the board meeting.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a police officer who works for a sheriff, especially in the United States.
n.a law enforcement officer serving as an assistant to a county sheriff; often the entry-level rank in such agencies.
Simple“The sheriff sent a deputy to investigate the car accident on the highway.”
In context“The deputy patrolled the rural county roads, maintaining a visible presence in areas far from the central station.”
Synonymsofficerdeputy sheriff - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a member of the parliament or government in some countries.
n.a member of a legislative assembly in certain jurisdictions, such as France or Ireland.
Simple“The deputy stood up in parliament to argue against the new tax law.”
In context“As a newly elected deputy, she spent her first month in the chamber drafting amendments to the environmental protection bill.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to do the work of a leader or superior for a short time.
v.to perform the duties of a deputy or to act as a proxy for another person.
Simple“He had to deputy for the captain after the injury occurred.”
In context“The junior partner was asked to deputy for the lead counsel during the preliminary hearing.”
UsageThis verb form is much less common than the noun; 'deputise' is the standard verb in most contexts.
Synonyms
Usage deputy leader · deputy director · deputy chief
“Anna Kelly is currently White House deputy press secretary and works under Leavitt.”
“Thenmozhi, the bureau's Southern Zone Deputy Director, told BBC Tamil that it had written to wildlife officials in Chennai asking them to verify documents and take appropriate action.”
From French député, from Late Latin deputatus (“appointed”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.