Chairmen vs. Chairman — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Chairman refers to one person leading a board or committee, while chairmen are multiple individuals serving in such roles.
Difference Between Chairmen and Chairman
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Chairman" is a singular noun referring to an individual who presides over meetings, committees, boards, or other deliberative assemblies. The role of a chairman is to guide discussions, ensure the rules are followed, and facilitate decision-making processes within a group setting. It represents a leadership position that is often central to the governance of various organizations.
In contrast, "Chairmen" is the plural form of chairman. It signifies more than one person holding the position of chairman across different committees or organizations. The term could also refer to multiple co-chairs within the same board or committee. While "chairman" focuses on a single entity, "chairmen" expands this leadership role to include multiple individuals.
The usage of "chairman" is straightforward when referencing a single leader. It sets a clear understanding that one person is the designated leader. For example, "The chairman called the meeting to order," highlights one person's authority and responsibility during a meeting.
On the other hand, "chairmen" would be used when discussing the actions or responsibilities of multiple chairpersons collectively. For instance, "The chairmen of the various committees met to coordinate their plans," denotes a gathering where several leaders are involved.
Therefore, the main difference between "chairman" and "chairmen" lies in number; "chairman" is singular, whereas "chairmen" is plural. Both terms describe individuals in positions of authority within an organization, but they must be used in the correct numerical context to convey accurate information.
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Comparison Chart
Number
Plural (more than one person).
Singular (one person).
Usage
Refers to multiple leaders.
Refers to a single leader.
Context
Used when multiple committees or boards are involved.
Used when one committee or board is being discussed.
Grammatical Number
Plural form of 'chairman'.
Singular form of the noun.
Pronoun Agreement
They, them, their
He, she, his, her (depending on the gender of the person).
Compare with Definitions
Chairmen
Leaders
The chairmen of the two companies met to negotiate a merger.
Chairman
Presiding Officer
The chairman is responsible for maintaining order during discussions.
Chairmen
Guides
The chairmen directed the proceedings of their respective meetings.
Chairman
Guide
The chairman ensured that all agenda items were addressed.
Chairmen
Authorities
These chairmen have significant influence in their industries.
Chairman
Representative
The chairman represented the committee at the international summit.
Chairmen
Presiding Officers
The chairmen set the agenda for the conference.
Chairman
Authority
As chairman, he has a decisive vote in the event of a tie.
Chairmen
Representatives
The chairmen spoke on behalf of their committees.
Chairman
The presiding officer of an assembly, meeting, committee, or board.
Chairmen
The presiding officer of an assembly, meeting, committee, or board.
Chairman
The administrative head of a department of instruction, as at a college.
Chairmen
The administrative head of a department of instruction, as at a college.
Chairman
To act as chairman of
Chaired the panel of experts.
Chairmen
To act as chairman of
Chaired the panel of experts.
Chairman
A person presiding over a meeting.
Chairmen
Plural of chairman
Chairman
The head of a corporate or governmental board of directors, a committee, or other formal entity.
Chairman
(historical) Someone whose job is to carry people in a portable chair, sedan chair, or similar conveyance.
Chairman
To serve as chairman.
Chairman
The presiding officer of a committee, or of a public or private meeting, or of any organized body.
Chairman
One whose business it is to cary a chair or sedan.
Breaks watchmen's heads and chairmen's glasses.
Chairman
The officer who presides at the meetings of an organization;
Address your remarks to the chairperson
Chairman
Act or preside as chair, as of an academic department in a university;
She chaired the department for many years
Chairman
Leader
The chairman of the board initiated the strategic planning session.
Common Curiosities
Can women be referred to as chairmen?
Yes, though "chairwoman" or "chair" may be preferred for gender specificity.
How do you address multiple chairpersons?
You can address them collectively as chairmen or chairpersons.
Is the word 'chairmen' gender-neutral?
While historically male-oriented, it's used generically; some prefer "chairpersons" for neutrality.
In modern usage, is chairman still acceptable?
Yes, but there's a shift towards more gender-neutral terms like "chair" or "chairperson."
What is a chairman?
A chairman is the presiding officer of a meeting, committee, board, or other assembly.
What is the role of a chairman?
A chairman leads meetings, sets agendas, and facilitates group decisions.
Can "chairmen" refer to a mixed-gender group?
Yes, it can, but "chairpersons" might be a more inclusive term.
What does chairmen mean?
Chairmen is the plural of chairman, indicating multiple individuals who hold that position.
What's the correct title for a female chairman?
"Chairwoman" or simply "chair" can be used.
Are there other terms equivalent to chairmen?
Yes, terms like "chairs," "chairpersons," or "chairpeople" are often used.
What's the difference between a CEO and a chairman?
A CEO manages daily operations, while a chairman leads the governing board.
Is it appropriate to use chairman for non-corporate groups?
Yes, the term can apply to any leading position in a deliberative body.
How do I become a chairman?
Typically, it involves being elected or appointed to the position by members of the group.
Can "chairman" be used in a non-formal group?
Yes, it can be used informally for someone leading a discussion or group.
Does chairman imply a higher level of authority than chairmen?
No, the level of authority is the same; the difference is only in singular vs. plural form.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
