noun

president

PREZ-ih-duhnt/ˈprezɪdənt/

The chief officer of a country or organization.

The association's president stands at the podium before applauding members.

A South Asian woman elected head of an association standing at a podium before applauding members, no actual politician likeness.

Etymology

preLatinbefore, in front of

+sidLatinto sit

+entLatinpresent-participle ending

A president is originally someone “sitting in front,” hence presiding over others. The sense of a chosen head of a meeting or group supplied the connection to the elected head of a republic.

In context

Shankar IAS Academy12:13

Minister is the head of the government because the powers in the hands of Russian president is more comparing to the powers in the hands of Indian president the Russian president is elected by the citizens of Russian Federation

The Hindu Daily News Analysis | 12th March 2020 | UPSC Current Affairs | Prelims - Mains 2020

More examples

Our club elects a new president every year.
The university president welcomes students on their first day.
The presidents of both companies approve the agreement.

Forms

president · presidents

presidency noun — The office or term of a president.

presidential adjective — Relating to a president or the presidency.

Similar words

leader: Broader term that does not imply a formal executive office.
chair: Usually leads a board or meeting rather than a country.