Superintendent Meaning and Definition
Superintendent
Pronunciation
/sʊpərɪnˈtɛndənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person in charge of overseeing and managing a specific area, department, or project, typically with administrative or executive responsibilities.
Examples
- The superintendent of the school district made a key announcement about the upcoming budget.
- The project’s superintendent was responsible for scheduling and coordinating all team efforts.
Synonyms
- Manager
- Administrator
- Executive
Antonyms
- Worker
- Employee
Additional Information
Superintendents typically hold a high-ranking position and are responsible for overseeing a specific area, such as a school, hospital, or construction project. They often have administrative or executive powers, and are responsible for making important decisions and ensuring the smooth operation of their designated area.
In general, superintendents are highly skilled and experienced professionals who have a strong understanding of their field and a proven track record of success.
Etymology
The word “superintendent” comes from the Latin “superintendere,” meaning “to oversee” or “to direct.”
Usage Notes
In formal writing, it is common to use the title “Superintendent” before a person’s name, e.g. “Superintendent Johnson.” In informal writing, it is acceptable to use the title in the same way, but it can also be omitted if the context is clear.
Cultural References
Superintendents have been featured in various forms of media, including books, movies, and television shows. For example, the character Howard Cunningham in the TV show “Happy Days” was the superintendent of a Wisconsin high school.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None specific to “superintendent,” but the word is often used in phrases like “under the supervision of the superintendent,” “according to the superintendent’s instructions,” or “as directed by the superintendent.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Administrator
- Manager
- Executive
- Supervisor
- Chief
Collocations
- school superintendent
- hospital superintendent
- project superintendent
Frequency of Use
The word “superintendent” is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation, but it is often used in formal writing, such as in official reports or news articles.
Common Misspellings
Supernetent, Superinterendant, Superintendant