Commissioner Meaning and Definition
Commissioner
Pronunciation
/kəˈmɪʃənər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A public official who is responsible for the administration of a particular department or agency, especially one who is appointed by the government.
Examples
- The police commissioner oversaw the investigation into the crime.
- The city commissioner was responsible for managing the public transportation system.
Synonyms
- Officer
- Administrator
Antonyms
- Citizen
- Private Individual
Additional Information
A commissioner is a high-ranking official who is responsible for overseeing a particular department or agency. They are often appointed by the government and are responsible for implementing policies and making decisions on behalf of the organization.
In some countries, commissioners are elected by the people, while in others they are appointed by the government. Commissioners can be found in a wide range of fields, including law enforcement, education, and healthcare.
The role of a commissioner can be very demanding, as they are responsible for making important decisions that affect the lives of many people. They must be able to balance the needs of different stakeholders and make difficult choices in order to achieve their goals.
Etymology
The word “commissioner” comes from the Latin “commissionem”, meaning “a sending or entrusting”. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a person who is entrusted with a particular task or responsibility.
Usage Notes
In formal writing, it is common to use the title “Commissioner” before the person’s name, such as “Commissioner John Smith”. In informal writing, the title is often omitted.
Cultural References
The character of Commissioner Gordon in the Batman series is a well-known example of a commissioner in popular culture.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None
Related Words or Phrases
- Commission
- Officer
- Administrator
Collocations
- Police commissioner
- City commissioner
- Government commissioner
Frequency of Use
The word “commissioner” is commonly used in formal and professional contexts, such as government, law enforcement, and business.