presides

Presides is the third-person singular present form of the verb preside. To preside means to exercise authority and leadership at a meeting, ceremony, or other gathering, or to act as the chair or head of an organization. The term is often followed by over as in preside over a meeting or preside at a ceremony.

Common contexts include parliamentary or board meetings, where the presiding officer leads proceedings, rules on points of order, and maintains decorum. In a courtroom, a judge presides over the trial, controlling the proceedings and ruling on admissibility. In religious services, a priest or bishop may preside at a liturgy. In ceremonial or formal events, a designated official presides.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin praesidere, from prae- “in front of” and sedere “to sit.” English uses preside as a verb, with presider as a noun for the person who presides.

Forms: Preside (infinitive), presides (present tense, he/she/it presides), presiding (present participle/gerund), presided (simple past and past participle).

Usage notes: The choice of preside over vs. preside at varies by style and context; either is accepted, with some preference for preside over a meeting or preside at a ceremony. The term implies formal authority rather than mere attendance.

See also: chair, chairperson, presiding officer, moderator, officiate.