What does "deputy" mean?
One appointed as the substitute of others, and empowered to act for them, in their name or their behalf; a substitute in office.
Deputy
/ˈdɛpjəti/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One appointed as the substitute of others, and empowered to act for them, in their name or their behalf; a substitute in office.
- Grammar: deputy is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: delegate, deputy sheriff, lieutenant, proxy.
- Useful contrasts: boss, civilian, client.
- Usage evidence: He will be my deputy while I am away.
How to use "deputy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "deputy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "deputy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "deputy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "deputy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "deputy" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "delegate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "deputy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One appointed as the substitute of others, and empowered to act for them, in their name or their behalf; a substitute in office.
"the deputy of a prince"
- 2 an assistant with power to act when their superior is absent wordnet
- 3 A person employed to install and remove props, brattices, etc. and to clear gas, for the safety of the miners. historical
- 4 someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies wordnet
- 5 The name for a member of legislature in some countries.
"The State Duma comprises 450 deputies."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a person appointed to represent or act on behalf of others wordnet
- 7 The name for a member of legislature in some countries.; A member of the French National Assembly.
- 8 a member of the lower chamber of a legislative assembly (such as in France) wordnet
- 9 The name for a member of legislature in some countries.; A member of the French Chamber of Deputies, formerly called Corps Législatif. historical
- 10 The name for a member of legislature in some countries.; A member of Dáil Éireann, or the title of a member of Dáil Éireann. Ireland, capitalized, often
"Eamon Ryan is a deputy in the Dáil."
- 11 a law enforcement officer who works for the county sheriff's office; a deputy sheriff or sheriff's deputy; the entry level rank in such an agency. US
"The sheriff's deputies took the suspect into custody."
Verb
- 1 to deputise informal, nonstandard
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"He will be my deputy while I am away."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "deputy"?
Common synonyms include: delegate, deputy sheriff, lieutenant, proxy, secondary, substitute.
How do you use "deputy" in a sentence?
He will be my deputy while I am away.
How do you pronounce "deputy"?
Pronounced /ˈdɛpjəti/.
Etymology
From French député, from Late Latin deputatus (“appointed”).