preside

verb

USpri-ZYD/pɹɪˈzaɪd/

Formspresides, presiding, presided

3 meanings of preside

1
verbintransitive
To be in charge of a meeting or event and keep it running.
Like the person who runs a meeting and makes sure everyone gets a turn to speak.
A judge will preside over the trial next week.
She presided over the school's yearly awards night.
Similarofficiate, chair, moderate
Note
2
verbintransitive
To have and use power over a group, place, or situation.
Like a captain who controls everything that happens on the ship.
A strict manager presided over the busy kitchen.
He likes to preside over every small decision in the house.
Similarrule, govern, reign
Note
3
verbintransitive
To be the main solo performer at a musical event or show.
Grandpa will preside at the piano tonight and play old songs for the whole family.
She presided as the lead soloist at the jazz festival's closing show.
Similarperform
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin praesidere, meaning "to preside," made from pre- ("before") and sedere ("to sit"). It came into English through Old French presider.