Executive Meaning
/ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjDesigned or fitted for execution, or carrying into effect.
adjOf, pertaining to, or having responsibility for the day-to-day running of an organisation, business, country, etc.
Sentence Examples
This was an executive decision.
We'll need a head hunting agency to find the right man for this executive position.
She has an executive position in a finance company.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company's chief ____ officer announced a new product launch.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ committee met to discuss the long-term strategic goals for the next five years.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French executif, from Latin executivus, from Latin exsequi, from ex- ‘out’ + sequi ‘follow’.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies."
— 1787, Federal Convention of 1787, Constitution of the United States of America, Article I, Section 2:
"At the earliest practicable date military administration will cease, and will be replaced by civil administration in the form of Crown Colony Government. There will, therefore, be in the first instance, in each of the new Colonies, a Governor and an Executive Council, composed of the principal officials, with a Legislative Council consisting of a certain number of official members to whom a nominated unofficial element will be added."
— 1901, Herbert Kitchener, Middelberg Proposal:
"[...] to make provision for municipal borrowing powers and to enable a Municipal Council to bind itself and a future Council in the exercise of its legislative and executive authority to secure loans or investments for the municipality; and to provide for matters connected therewith."
— 2001, Penuel Maduna, Constitution Sixth Amendment Act of 2001, long title:
"Such, Mr. Cleveland, is the real character of the government, of which you are the nominal head. Such are, and have been, its lawmakers. Such are, and have been, its judges. Such have been its executives. Such is its present executive. Have you anything to say for any of them?"
— 1886, Lysander Spooner, A Letter to Grover Cleveland, on His False Inaugural Address, The Usurpations and Crimes of Lawmakers and Judges, and the Consequent Poverty, Ignorance, and Servitude of the People, section XXVII:
"But as we approach the question of presidential power, we half overcome mental hazards by recognizing them. The opinions of judges, no less than executives and publicists, often suffer the infirmity of confusing the issue of a power's validity with the cause it is invoked to promote, of confounding the permanent executive office with its temporary occupant."
— 1957, United States House Committee on Government Operations, Executive orders and proclamations: a study of a use of Presidential powers, Part 1:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company's chief ____ officer announced a new product launch.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ committee met to discuss the long-term strategic goals for the next five years.