WordGarden.ioheadship
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɛdʃɪp/
US
- /ˈhɛdˌʃɪp/
Meanings
Noun
the position, tenure, or authority of being the head of an organization, especially a school
authority ascribed to a husband, man, or religious leader in some hierarchical or Christian doctrines
Beyond the definition
Headship is the position of being the person in charge of a group, institution, or family. The word often appears in discussions of family or church roles, where it refers to leadership and authority. In British English, it is also commonly used for the job of being a school headteacher. The idea is not just having power, but carrying the duty to guide others and make final decisions.
Headship refers to the role, office, or authority of the person who leads a group, institution, or family. It suggests not only rank, but also responsibility: the person in this position is expected to guide others, make important decisions, and answer for the results. The word has a formal tone and is used most often when leadership is seen as a defined role rather than simply a personal quality.
Historically and in religious writing, "headship" is often used when talking about the structure of the family or the church. In such contexts, it can refer to authority believed to be given by tradition or by religious teaching. This remains one of the word's strongest and most familiar areas of use.
The word is also common in British education, where it can mean the office or period of service of a headteacher. Someone might speak of taking up the headship of a school or stepping down after many years in headship. Outside these areas, the word can still mean top leadership, but that use is less common and often sounds formal. In most cases, the word points to recognized leadership with real responsibility, not just influence or force.
Examples
- 1
Job application
After several years as deputy head, she decided to apply for the headship.
- 2
School leadership
He took over the headship of the school when the previous head retired.
- 3
Shared role
The governors approved a joint headship, with two senior teachers sharing the role.
- Phrasejoint headship
an arrangement where two people share the top job
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- principalship
- directorship
- supremacy
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- under the headship of
- school headship
- assume the headship
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- headshipnoun