presidential

Everyday

1. Presidential means to do with a president, the elected leader of a country such as the USA, France or Ireland, or the head of a club or company («a presidential election»). tree →
2. Presidential can mean looking or acting serious and important, like a president should. tree →

In the lessons

In politics lessons, «presidential elections» in the USA happen every four years; the winner lives in the White House. In Ireland, the President is head of state and is chosen in a presidential election, but the Taoiseach leads the government. In the news, «presidential candidates» debate on TV.

Examples

• The USA has a presidential election every four years. tree →
• The presidential candidates debated on TV. tree →
• The presidential palace is guarded day and night. tree →
• France has a presidential system. tree →
• Ireland held a presidential election. tree →
• He looked very presidential in his suit. tree →
• The presidential plane is called Air Force One. tree →

Note

Adjective from «president»; spelt «-tial». Capital P only in names like «the Presidential Medal». Trap: in the UK, Canada and Australia there is a Prime Minister, not a president.