説明中心

figurehead

[ˈfɪɡərhɛd]

figurehead Definition

  • 1a person who is the head of an organization or group in name only, with no real power or authority
  • 2a carved image or statue at the prow of a ship, used as a symbol

Using figurehead: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "figurehead" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The president was merely a figurehead, with no real decision-making power.

  • Example

    The company's CEO was just a figurehead, while the board of directors made all the important decisions.

  • Example

    The figurehead on the ship was a carving of a mermaid.

figurehead Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for figurehead

Antonyms for figurehead

Idioms Using figurehead

  • to hold a position of nominal leadership without any real power or authority

    Example

    The new CEO was just a figurehead, with no real say in the company's decisions.

  • a person who is seen as the symbolic leader of a social or political movement, but may not have any real power or influence

    Example

    Martin Luther King Jr. was a figurehead of the civil rights movement.

  • a position that is given to someone for symbolic reasons, but has no real power or authority

    Example

    The university created a figurehead position for the famous author, but he had no real responsibilities.

Phrases with figurehead

  • a position that has no real power or authority, but is given to someone for symbolic reasons

    Example

    The new vice president was given a figurehead role, with no real responsibilities.

  • a government that is controlled by a more powerful external force, such as a colonial power

    Example

    The country's figurehead government was overthrown in a military coup.

  • a monarch who has no real power or authority, but serves as a symbol of the country

    Example

    The British queen is a figurehead monarch, with no real political power.

Origins of figurehead

from 'figure' + 'head'

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Summary: figurehead in Brief

'Figurehead' [ˈfɪɡərhɛd] refers to a person who holds a position of nominal leadership without any real power or authority, or a carved image or statue at the prow of a ship, used as a symbol. It can be used in phrases like 'figurehead role,' and idioms like 'be a figurehead,' denoting a lack of real power or influence. For example, 'The company's CEO was just a figurehead, while the board of directors made all the important decisions.'