co-chair
UK[ˌkəʊ ˈtʃeə]US[ˌkoʊ ˈtʃer]
v
to act as a joint chairperson of (a meeting, committee, etc.)
n
a person who chairs a committee, meeting, etc., jointly with another or others
Morpheme Breakdown
co
chair
co
together
chair
presiding officer
Etymology
The word 'co-chair' is a modern English compound, formed by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'co-' with the noun 'chair'. The prefix 'co-', originating from Latin com-, signifies partnership and joint action. The word 'chair' evolved from Latin cathedra (a seat, particularly a teacher's or bishop's seat of authority) through Old French, coming to denote the person in charge of a meeting. Therefore, 'co-chair' logically constructs the concept of a shared leadership role, where authority and responsibility for presiding are held equally by two or more individuals.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + chair (presiding officer)
- co: from Latin com- (with, together). A prefix indicating joint action or association.
- chair: from Old French chaiere, from Latin cathedra (seat, chair of authority). The noun form refers to the person presiding over a meeting or organization.
Examples
She was asked to co-chair the international climate conference.
The committee has two co-chairs who share the responsibilities equally.
They will co-chair the fundraising campaign starting next month.