presidir
Lemma Details
Translation: to preside; to chair; to head; to lead; to oversee
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'praesidere', meaning 'to sit before, protect, or guard', composed of 'prae' (before) and 'sedere' (to sit). The English cognate 'preside' shares the same Latin root. The word conveys the idea of sitting at the head or front position, symbolizing authority and leadership.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El juez preside el tribunal.
The judge presides over the court.
La ministra presidió la reunión del gabinete.
The minister chaired the cabinet meeting.
Ella presidirá el comité de ética.
She will head the ethics committee.
El espíritu de cooperación preside nuestras relaciones.
The spirit of cooperation governs our relationships.
Mnemonics
- Think of a president (presidente) who must 'preside' over meetings and the country.
- Remember 'pre-sit' - to sit at the front or before others, which is what someone does when they preside.
- Connect it to 'presidency' - the office of someone who presides.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'presidir' is commonly used in formal contexts such as government, business meetings, and ceremonies. The term carries connotations of authority and responsibility, particularly in political and institutional settings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Presidir' means to preside or chair, while 'presidiar' (less common) relates to imprisoning or serving as a garrison.
Notes: 'Presidiar' is much less common in modern Spanish and may be considered archaic in some contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Presidir' has to do with leadership (like a president), while 'presidiar' relates to prisons (presidio).
Explanation: 'Presidir' means to preside or lead, while 'residir' means to reside or live somewhere.
Notes: The 'p' at the beginning of 'presidir' is the key difference in spelling.
Mnemonic: 'Presidir' has the prefix 'pre-' (before) suggesting being in front or leading, while 'residir' is about where you stay or live.