co-chairman
UK[ˌkəʊˈtʃeəmən]US[ˌkoʊˈtʃermən]
n
a person who shares the position of chairman with another person
Morpheme Breakdown
co
chairman
co
together
chairman
presiding officer
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, formed in English by combining the Latin-derived prefix "co-" with the existing English noun "chairman." The prefix "co-", originating from the Latin preposition cum (with), was integrated into English to efficiently denote joint action or shared status. The word "chairman" itself has a longer history, evolving from the literal "man in the chair of authority" to its current abstract meaning of a presiding officer. Therefore, "co-chairman" logically constructs its meaning as "a person who shares the presiding authority with another," reflecting a 20th-century organizational practice of shared leadership.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + chairman (presiding officer)
- co: from Latin com- meaning "together, with". A prefix indicating jointness or partnership.
- chairman: from English chair (a seat of authority) + man (a person). A compound noun meaning a person who presides over a meeting or organization.
Examples
She served as co-chairman of the fundraising committee for three years.
The two co-chairmen issued a joint statement on the merger.
He was appointed co-chairman to oversee the project alongside his colleague.