executive English · revision 2800

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1646|origins=la exsequor}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɪɡˈzek.jə.tɪv/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|la-med|executivus]],^(SOED 2002)^(Etymonline) from [[m|la|execūt-|alt=exsecūt-]], the past participle stem of [[la|exsequī|t=to follow after; to carry out, accomplish]],^(Etymonline) the source of [[execute]] and [[execution]].^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ “Capable of performance, operative”, now obsolete: 1646 in the OED,^(OED 1989) the 1640s in Etymonline.^(Etymonline) The SOED dates the adjective to late Middle English.^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ As the distinctive epithet of the branch of government that carries out the laws it is from 1649,^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024) and “having the function of carrying into effect” from 1677.^(OED 1989) The noun, the person or persons holding supreme executive power in a country, is by 1708, perhaps from earlier ''executive part'' or ''executive power''.^(Etymonline) A high-ranking business person is American English by 1902,^(Etymonline) which led the adjective to mean “stylish, luxurious, costly”, befitting an executive, in the 1970s.^(Etymonline) ''Executive privilege'' for the US president is from 1797 in a general sense,^(Etymonline) while the OED's first example is from 1940.^(OED 1989) In computing, an executive is a program that controls other programs.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1646 – capable of performance.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1649 – of the branch of government that executes the laws.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1677 – having the function of carrying into effect.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1708 – noun, the holder of executive power.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1902 – a business executive.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1970s – adjective, luxurious.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A person or group with [[administrative]] or managerial authority in an organization.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # The branch of government that puts the laws into effect; the chief officer of a government or state.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # ''(computing)'' A program that controls the running of other programs.^(AHD)

+

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Having to do with carrying out plans or laws; [[managerial]].^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # Of the executive branch of government.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # For or befitting executives; luxurious: ''an executive suite''.^(Etymonline)^(MW Collegiate)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[executively]]

+ * [[executiveness]]

+ * [[CEO]]

+ * [[nonexecutive]]

+ * [[chief executive]]

+ * [[account executive]]

+ * [[executive privilege]]

+ * [[chief executive officer]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[execute]]

+ * [[execution]]

+ * [[executor]]

+ * [[sequel]]

+ * [[consequence]]

+ * [[exec]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}