Deputy
ˈdɛpjʊti
Definitions
2 meaningsA person appointed or elected to act as a substitute for another in a specific role or office.
ˈdɛpjʊti
A person appointed to act for another.
The deputy director stepped in when the director was ill.
💡 Simply: Imagine the boss is away. A deputy is like the boss's helper who takes charge. They make sure everything runs smoothly while the boss is out.
👶 For kids: A deputy is someone who helps the boss. If the boss is busy, the deputy does the boss's job.
More Examples
The police department assigned a deputy to the case.
The company's deputy manager was in charge during the CEO's sabbatical.
How It's Used
"The deputy mayor presided over the meeting in the mayor's absence."
"A sheriff's deputy investigated the crime."
"The CEO's deputy handled the negotiations."
A member of a legislative body, particularly in some countries (e.g., France).
ˈdɛpjʊti
A member of certain legislative bodies.
The deputy from the district proposed a new amendment.
💡 Simply: In some places, a deputy is like a person elected to make laws. They represent the people and vote on important decisions in a group called a parliament or assembly.
👶 For kids: A deputy can be someone who helps make rules for a group of people.
More Examples
The parliament was composed of elected deputies.
The deputies debated the new budget proposal.
How It's Used
"A deputy in the French National Assembly voted on the bill."
Idioms & expressions
Deputy Dog
A fictional character who's job is to enforce law and order.
"The kids loved watching Deputy Dog chase after the bad guys."
From Old French *deputé*, from Latin *depūtātus*, past participle of *deputare* (“to reckon, consider, assign, delegate”), from *de-* (“from”) + *putare* (“to think, consider, reckon”).
The term 'deputy' has been used since the 14th century to refer to someone acting on behalf of another, often in a governmental or legal capacity. Its usage has remained largely consistent.
Memory tip
Think of a 'deputy' as a 'stand-in', someone ready to step in when the main person isn't available.
Word Origin
"To reckon, consider, assign, delegate."