Word
presiding
Phoneticspre·sid·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈzaɪdɪŋ/
UK/pɹɪsˈaɪdɪŋ/
Definitions
01leading a meeting or court
C1 · Advanced Law Formal
v. to be the person in charge of a formal meeting, a trial, or a ceremony.
v. to exercise formal authority or control over a meeting, judicial proceeding, or official gathering. Often used with the preposition 'over'.
“The judge is presiding over the trial to ensure all legal rules are followed.”
“The Chief Justice was presiding over the high-profile appeal, maintaining strict order despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding the case.”
02having the authority to lead
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. having the official power to lead a group or a specific meeting.
adj. vested with the authority to lead or exercise control over a specific body or proceeding.
“The presiding officer called for a vote at the end of the debate.”
“The presiding bishop delivered the opening address, setting a conciliatory tone for the remainder of the synod.”
Synonyms
Usage
Typically used with the preposition 'over' when followed by an object.
Pitfall
He is presiding the meeting.
He is presiding over the meeting.
In this sense, the verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'over' to connect to the event being managed.
Real-World Examples
“At the moment, the judges presiding over both cases have allowed the trials to proceed.” “Zambia’s government went to court to try to stop the burial of Lungu by his family, who did not want Hichilema presiding over a state funeral.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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