rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryexecutiveSenior management
noun / adjective

executive

ig-ZEK-yuh-tiv/ɪɡˈzekjətɪv/

A person or body responsible for managing and carrying out decisions.

The executive reviews the budget before approving the company's expansion.

A senior Black woman executive at head of a conference table making a clear decision while colleagues listen, realistic contemporary office, all screens and papers unlettered.
Etymology
executLatinfollow after; carry out
+iveLatinhaving the function of

The idea of “carrying out” first described the governmental function of putting laws into effect. The noun later extended to senior business managers responsible for putting decisions into practice.

In context

HISTORY0:26
The cabinet, itself part of the executive branch, also acts as an advisory board to the president with the chief executive of each agency mostly known as the secretary of their department.
What Is the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government? | History

More examples

  • Several executives meet weekly to review company performance.
  • The executive committee oversees the organization's daily operations.
  • The legislature passes laws, and the executive carries them out.

Forms

executive · executives

execute verb — To carry out a plan or decision.

execution noun — The act of carrying out a plan.

Similar words

manager
May oversee one team rather than hold senior organizational authority.
administrator
Emphasizes managing operations and procedures rather than setting overall strategy.