What is the Difference Between Chairman and Chairperson?

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The main difference between the terms "Chairman" and "Chairperson" lies in their gender connotations. Both terms refer to a person who presides over a meeting, organization, or board, but "Chairman" is traditionally used to refer to a man, whereas "Chairperson" is a gender-neutral term that can refer to either a man or a woman in such a position.

In summary:

  • Chairman: Refers to a man who presides over a meeting, organization, or board.
  • Chairperson: A gender-neutral term that can refer to either a man or a woman who presides over a meeting, organization, or board.

It is essential to use the correct term based on the gender of the person in the position to avoid confusion and ensure political correctness. In cases where the gender of the person is not known, it is better to use the term "Chairperson" to avoid any issues related to gender-specific language.

Comparative Table: Chairman vs Chairperson

The difference between "chairman" and "chairperson" lies in their usage and meaning. Here is a table comparing the two terms:

Term Meaning Usage
Chairman Refers to a person (traditionally a man) who presides over a meeting, organization, or board. Traditionally used to refer to men, but not often used for women.
Chairperson Refers to a person (regardless of gender) who presides over a meeting, organization, or board. Gender-neutral term, can be used for both men and women.

In summary, "chairman" is a term that has traditionally been used to denote a man who presides over a meeting, organization, or board, while "chairperson" is a more inclusive, gender-neutral term that can refer to a person of either gender in such a role.