preside

Everyday

1. To be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, court or event: «The judge presided over the trial.» tree →
2. To be in control of a situation or period: «He presided over a time of peace.» tree →

In the lessons

In law and civics lessons: a judge presides over a court; a chairperson presides over a meeting. In Alice in Wonderland the King of Hearts presides over the trial of the Knave of Hearts, with the Queen shouting «Off with his head!» In church, a priest or minister may preside at communion.

Examples

• The judge presided over the trial. tree →
• The head teacher presided at the prize-giving. tree →
• The King of Hearts presided over the trial in Wonderland. tree →
• The mayor presided over the meeting. tree →
• The priest presided at the wedding. tree →
• Gran presided over the Christmas dinner table. tree →
• Terminus was the god who presided over all boundaries and landmarks. tree →

Note

Usually followed by «over» or «at». Related: president (the person who presides), presidency. Regular verb: presided.

In Jewish tradition

To preside is to lead or oversee. The Levites oversaw workers repairing the Temple under Josiah.

Interpretation. Tradition notes that the Levites had many roles beyond service, such as scribes and guards.

Examples

• Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and presided over all that did the work in every manner of service; and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters. (Writings 2CH.34.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually followed by «over» or «at». Related: president (the person who presides), presidency. Regular verb: presided.