Aldermen or alderwomen, often referred to as alderpeople, are elected officials who serve on the governing body of a municipality. They are responsible for making decisions that affect the community they represent. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of alderpeople.
Definitions
Aldermen or alderwomen are members of a municipal legislative body, such as a city council or town council. They are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents and making decisions on behalf of the community.
Origin
The term “alderman” comes from the Old English “ealdorman,” which means “elder man” or “chief.” In medieval England, aldermen were the leaders of towns and cities, responsible for maintaining law and order and representing the interests of their communities.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an alderman is “a member of a municipal legislative body, such as a city council.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an alderman as “a member of a municipal council, usually elected by popular vote.”
Associations
Aldermen or alderwomen are often associated with local government and community leadership. They are responsible for making decisions that affect the lives of their constituents, such as setting budgets, making zoning decisions, and passing local ordinances.
Synonyms
Synonyms for alderpeople include council members, city officials, town officials, and municipal legislators.
Antonyms
Antonyms for alderpeople include private citizens, non-elected officials, and members of the public.
The same root words
The root word “alder” refers to a type of tree, specifically the Alnus genus. The connection between the tree and the position of alderman is unclear, but it is thought to be related to the tree’s association with wetlands and the importance of water management in medieval towns and cities.
Example Sentences
- The aldermen voted unanimously to approve the new budget.
- The alderwomen worked tirelessly to pass a new zoning ordinance.
- The alderpeople listened to the concerns of their constituents and made changes to the proposed development plan.
- The city council, made up of aldermen and alderwomen, met to discuss the future of the community.
- The local alderman was known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.