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Webster 1913 Edition

Executive

Ex-ec′u-tive

,
Adj.
[Cf.F.
exécutif
.]
1.
Designed or fitted for execution, or carrying into effect;
as,
executive
talent
; qualifying for, concerned with, or pertaining to, the execution of the laws or the conduct of affairs;
as,
executive
power or authority;
executive
duties, officer, department, etc.
☞ In government,
executive
is distinguished from
legislative
and
judicial
;
legislative
being applied to the organ or organs of government which make the laws;
judicial
, to that which interprets and applies the laws;
executive
, to that which carries them into effect or secures their due performance.

Ex-ec′u-tive

,
Noun.
1.
An impersonal title of the chief magistrate or officer who administers the government, whether king, president, or governor; the governing person or body.

Webster 1828 Edition

Executive

EXEC'UTIVE

,
Adj.
egzec'utive. Having the quality of executing or performing; as executive power or authority; an executive officer. Hence, in government, executive is used in distinction from legislative and judicial. The body that deliberates and enacts laws, is legislative; the body that judges, or applies the laws to particular cases, is judicial; the body or person who carries the laws into effect, or superintends the enforcement of them, is executive.
It is of the nature of war to increase the executive, at the expense of the legislative authority.

EXEC'UTIVE

,
Noun.
The officer, whether king, president or other chief magistrate, who superintends the execution of the laws; the person who administers the government; executive power or authority in government.
Men most desirous of places in the executive gift, will not expect to be gratified, except by their support of the executive.

Definition 2024

executive

executive

See also: exécutive

English

Adjective

executive ‎(comparative more executive, superlative most executive)

  1. Designed or fitted for execution, or carrying into effect.
  2. Of, pertaining to, or having responsibility for the day-to-day running of an organisation, business, country, etc.; as, an executive act, an executive officer, executive government.
  3. Exclusive.
    an executive bathroom

Translations

Noun

executive ‎(plural executives)

  1. A title of a chief officer or administrator, especially one who can make significant decisions on her/his own authority.
  2. That branch of government which is responsible for enforcing laws and judicial decisions, and for the day-to-day administration of the state.

Translations

Derived terms

Etymology

From Middle French executif.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/, IPA(key): /ɛɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/

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