C1nounformal10K+

Commissioner

UK /["/kəˈmɪʃənə(r)/"]/US /["/kəˈmɪʃənər/"]/

Definition

a member of a commission (= an official group of people who are responsible for controlling something or finding out about something)

In simple words: A person in charge of a certain area or job.

Examples

  • the Church Commissioners *(= the group of people responsible for controlling the financial affairs of the Church of England)*
  • European Commissioners
  • the **agriculture/health, etc. commissioner**
  • Commissioner Rhodes was unavailable for comment.
  • The Economic Affairs Commissioner, Albert Johnson, resigned over the issue.
  • The merger has been referred to the European Competition Commissioner.
  • the baseball commissioner
  • a commissioner for the Central Collegiate Hockey Association

Usage notes

Used in formal contexts, such as government or organizations. Not appropriate in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

commissioner + of + [area/organization]

Memory hint

Sounds like 'com-mission-er' — imagine someone in charge of a special mission.

Collocations

  • high
  • assistant
  • deputy
  • appoint
  • appoint somebody (as)
  • commissioner for
  • high
  • assistant
  • deputy
  • appoint
  • appoint somebody (as)
  • commissioner for
  • high
  • assistant
  • deputy
  • appoint
  • appoint somebody (as)
  • commissioner for
  • high
  • assistant
  • deputy
  • appoint
  • appoint somebody (as)
  • commissioner for

Synonyms

  • director
  • administrator
  • supervisor
  • chief

Antonyms

  • subordinate
  • assistant
  • deputy

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'commissar' or 'commission' which have different meanings.
  • Using 'commissioner' in informal contexts.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'comissioner' with two 's' letters.