What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
presidential
Example
The presidential election is coming up soon. [presidential: adjective]
Example
The candidate has a very presidential demeanor. [presidential: adjective]
president
Example
The president gave a speech on national television. [president: noun]
Example
Barack Obama was the first African American president of the United States. [president: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
President is more commonly used than presidential in everyday language, as it is a more straightforward and versatile term. However, presidential is still commonly used in political contexts and media coverage of the presidency.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between presidential and president?
Both presidential and president have a formal connotation, as they are typically used in political or official contexts. However, presidential may be slightly more formal due to its adjectival form and association with the presidency itself.