preside
- 01 C1 Advanced
to be the person in charge of a formal meeting, a court, or a committee.
to act as the chairperson, president, or judge in a formal gathering or legal proceeding.
Simple“The judge will preside over the trial starting next Monday morning.”
In context“The Chief Justice was appointed to preside over the high-profile tribunal, ensuring that all procedural rules were strictly followed throughout the testimony.”
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'over'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to have a position of power or control over a situation or period of time.
to exercise authority, control, or dominance over a specific situation, organization, or era.
Simple“The CEO presided over a period of great success for the company.”
In context“The prime minister presided over a decade of unprecedented economic growth, though critics argue the social costs were significant.”
UsageTypically takes the preposition 'over'.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
to be the main person playing a large instrument, like an organ, at an event.
to act as a featured solo performer, particularly at a keyboard instrument such as a pipe organ during a ceremony.
Simple“A famous musician will preside at the organ for the wedding ceremony.”
In context“The cathedral organist was invited to preside at the console for the inaugural recital of the newly restored instrument.”
UsageOften takes the preposition 'at' rather than 'over' in this specific musical context.
“The pre-trial process has been going on for so long that it has now been presided over by five different military judges.”
“She comes back to life three nights in a row, and he’s got to preside over the last rites.”
From Old French presider, from Latin praesidēre (“preside”), from pre- (“before”) + sedere (“to sit”). Displaced Old English foresittan, which might have been a calque of the Latin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.