What is chairwoman? Pronunciation and usage in English

chairwoman means . Learn how to pronounce and use chairwoman through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of chairwoman

chairwomannoun

/ˈtʃɛːˌwʊmən/
Definition & pronunciation of chairwoman

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "chairwoman." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic pronunciations and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈtʃeərˌwʊmən

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • ˈtʃeər: This part is fairly straightforward.

    • ˈtʃ - This is the "ch" sound as in "chair" or "church." It's a voiceless palatal fricative.
    • e - A short "e" sound, like in "bed."
    • ər - The "er" sound as in "her" or "stir." (This is a schwa sound – a very relaxed vowel)

  • ˌwʊmən: This is where it gets a little trickier.

    • ˌ – This symbol indicates a secondary stress, meaning the second syllable is emphasized.
    • w - A "w" sound.
    • ʊ – This is a short, rounded "u" sound, like in "foot" or "put." It's a vowel sound.
    • mən - A "mn" sound, as in "man."

3. Putting it together - How to Say It:

  1. Start with the "chair" part: "CHair" – with a clear "ch" sound.
  2. Add the "er" sound: "CHair-er" (like “chair-uh”)
  3. Move to the stressed syllable: "ChairWOMan"
  4. Emphasize the "WOM" sound: Make sure the "w" and "u" sound are clear and distinct, and that you're stressing the "WOM" syllable. The "n" at the end is soft.

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Many people say "chair-woman" – This is incorrect. The "wo" is a distinct syllable.
  • Don't over-emphasize the first syllable: While the 'tʃeər' part is important, the 'wʊmən' part deserves equal attention.
  • The vowel sound in "woman" is important: Practice saying “foot” and “put” repeatedly to get the "u" sound right.

Resources for Hearing it Pronounced:

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  • Record an example pronunciation for you?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word that you find difficult?

Usage and examples with the word chairwoman in English

Let's break down how to use "chairwoman" correctly in English. It's a nuanced word, and understanding its usage is important for respectful and accurate communication.

1. What it means:

"Chairwoman" refers to a woman who presides over a meeting, committee, board, or organization. It’s the female equivalent of "chairman."

2. Correct Usage – Generally Preferred:

  • Most often, and increasingly, "chairperson" is the preferred term. It's considered gender-neutral and avoids potentially excluding men. Using "chairperson" is generally the safest and most modern approach.

  • However, "chairwoman" is still acceptable and commonly used, particularly in older organizations or where tradition is strong. It's a perfectly valid term if accurately describes the person.

3. When to Use "Chairwoman":

  • When the person is a woman: If you’re talking about a woman who holds the position, then "chairwoman" is correct.
  • In older organizations or contexts: If you're reporting on a historical event or discussing an organization with a long tradition, using "chairwoman" might be appropriate to reflect the past.
  • When specifically requested: Sometimes, an individual or organization will explicitly state that they prefer "chairwoman" or "chairmen." Respect their preference.

4. Important Considerations – Gender Neutrality:

  • "Chairperson" is the safest option to avoid gender bias. It's a professional and inclusive term.
  • "Chair" as a singular noun is increasingly common. You can simply say "The chair will lead the meeting" – and it's understood to be a woman or a man.

5. Examples:

  • Correct: "The chairwoman of the board announced the company's new strategy." (Referring to a female leader)
  • Correct (and preferred): "The chairperson of the committee spearheaded the fundraising efforts." (Gender-neutral)
  • Correct: “The chair will start the meeting with an update.” (Singular, referring to the person regardless of gender)

6. Don't Use It Incorrectly:

  • Don't use “chairwoman” to describe a meeting itself. It's a person, not the event.

Resources for Further Information:

In summary: While "chairwoman" is formally correct when referring to a woman, “chairperson” is generally the preferred and more inclusive option today. Pay attention to context and consider whether a singular "chair" might be the most appropriate.

Do you want me to give you more examples, or would you like to discuss a specific situation where you're considering using this word?

Synonyms for the word chairwoman

Practice with vocabulary chairwoman

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The __________ of the board of directors called for an emergency meeting.
  2. During the conference, the __________ emphasized the importance of teamwork.
  3. The project manager took charge of the meeting when the leader was absent.
  4. The __________ of the committee presented the annual report to the stakeholders.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Who presided over the committee meeting?
    a) Chairwoman
    b) Manager
    c) Secretary
    d) Coordinator

  2. Which term refers to a woman leading an organization?
    a) President
    b) Chairperson
    c) Chairwoman
    d) Supervisor

  3. The __________ delivered a powerful speech at the conference.
    a) Chairwoman
    b) Speaker
    c) Moderator
    d) Facilitator

  4. Who assumed the role of the head in the absence of the CEO?
    a) Deputy
    b) Vice President
    c) Chairwoman
    d) Director

  5. What is a synonym for "leader of a meeting"?
    a) Facilitator
    b) Chairwoman
    c) Organizer
    d) Consultant

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The leader of the committee announced the new policy.
  2. A woman was elected to head the organization’s board.
  3. The person in charge of the meeting summarized the key points.

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. Chairwoman
  2. Chairwoman
  3. Manager
  4. Chairwoman

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Chairwoman
  2. c) Chairwoman
  3. a) Chairwoman
  4. c) Chairwoman
  5. b) Chairwoman

Exercise 3:

  1. The chairwoman of the committee announced the new policy.
  2. A woman was elected as the chairwoman of the organization’s board.
  3. The chairperson of the meeting summarized the key points.

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