C1adjective3K

Presidential

UK /["/ˌprezɪˈdenʃl/"]/US /["/ˌprezɪˈdenʃl/"]/

Definition

connected with the position or activities of a president

In simple words: Related to a president or presidency.

Examples

  • a presidential campaign/candidate/election
  • a presidential system of government
  • a presidential year *(= one in which the people vote for the next president of the country)*

Usage notes

Use 'presidential' to describe things connected to a president, such as speeches or elections. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to use it for non-political contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think 'president' plus 'ial' — everything related to a president.

Collocations

  • presidential election
  • presidential candidate
  • presidential address
  • presidential powers

Synonyms

  • executive
  • governmental
  • official
  • political

Antonyms

  • local
  • municipal
  • regional
  • parochial

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'presidency' (the period when someone is president).
  • Using 'presidential' to describe non-political leaders.
  • Misplacing the stress in pronunciation.