praeses
The Latin word for president is praeses.
praeses is the closest Latin equivalent to the English word president, specifically referring to the head of state of a republic. In other contexts, such as within educational or institutional settings, the word rector may be used to denote a ruler, governor or president.
Meaning: the head of state of a republic (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
praeses is a third declension noun. Its plural form is praesides. To indicate possession, such as 'of the president', use the genitive singular form praesidis. If the word is the direct object of a sentence, use the accusative singular form praesidem.
Did you know?
- In the Roman Empire, a praeses was not a head of state but a governor of a province appointed by the emperor.
- Because it is derived from sedeō, meaning 'to sit', the root of 'president' is the same as the root found in the English word 'sedentary'.
- In ecclesiastical Latin, the term praeses is often used to describe a bishop or a high ranking cleric presiding over a council.
Examples in context
- Thomas praeses factus est.Tom was elected president.This sentence shows how to express that someone was elected as praeses.Tatoeba #7043916 by alexmarcelo, translation #4498235 by CK
- Nonne praeses pacem optat?The President desires peace, doesn't he?This sentence uses praeses to ask a question about the president's desires.Tatoeba #7926104 by CarpeLanam, translation #275916 by CK
- Praeses huius terrae eloquens est.The president of this country is eloquent.This sentence describes a president of a country using praeses.Tatoeba #5089521 by alexmarcelo, translation #5254769 by CarpeLanam
- Marcus est praeses senatus.Marcus is the president of the senate.
- Universitas habet rectorem.The university has a president.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are discussing the news of the day.
- QuintusUbi est praeses?Where is the president?
- ClaudiaPraeses in urbe est.The president is in the city.
- QuintusCur praeses venit?Why is the president coming?
- ClaudiaPraeses nos salutare vult.The president wants to greet us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry praeses, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
