Figurehead

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈfɪɡjərˌhɛd/

Definitions of figurehead

noun a person who is head of an organization or country in title only and has no real authority

Example Sentences

A1 The king was just a figurehead, with no real power.

A2 The president serves as a figurehead for the country.

B1 The CEO was seen as a figurehead by the employees, with the real decision-making happening behind the scenes.

B2 The queen is a figurehead for the nation, representing its traditions and values.

C1 The prime minister was criticized for being a mere figurehead, with the real power lying in the hands of lobbyists and special interest groups.

C2 The chairman of the company was more of a figurehead than a true leader, as the board of directors made all the important decisions.

Examples of figurehead in a Sentence

formal The king was merely a figurehead, with the real power lying in the hands of his advisors.

informal The CEO is just a figurehead, the real decisions are made by the board of directors.

slang She's just a figurehead in the company, doesn't really do much.

figurative The president was seen as a figurehead, a symbol of the nation rather than a true leader.

Grammatical Forms of figurehead

past tense

figureheaded

plural

figureheads

comparative

more figurehead

superlative

most figurehead

present tense

figurehead

future tense

will figurehead

perfect tense

have figureheaded

continuous tense

is figureheading

singular

figurehead

positive degree

figurehead

infinitive

to figurehead

gerund

figureheading

participle

figureheaded

Origin and Evolution of figurehead

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'figurehead' originated from naval terminology, referring to a carved wooden figure mounted on the prow of a ship.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in a literal sense to describe the decorative figure on a ship's bow, 'figurehead' later evolved to also refer to a person in a position of leadership or authority who has no real power or influence.