B2 verb Formal

rector

/ˈrektə(r)/

A rector is the head of certain universities, colleges, or schools, responsible for administrative and academic leadership. In a religious context, it refers to a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish or a specific religious institution.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The local rector is very involved in the community's charity events.

The local rector is very involved in the community's charity events.

2

The Rector Magnificus will officially open the academic year next Monday.

The Rector Magnificus will officially open the academic year next Monday.

3

My dad's meeting with the rector to talk about the school's new sports hall.

My dad's meeting with the rector to talk about the school's new sports hall.

Word Family

Noun
rector
Adjective
rectorial
Related
rectorate
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'direct'. A rector is like a director who 'rectifies' (sets right) the path of the university or parish.

Quick Quiz

The university ___ announced a major increase in research funding for the next semester.

Correct!

The correct answer is: rector

Examples

1

The local rector is very involved in the community's charity events.

everyday

The local rector is very involved in the community's charity events.

2

The Rector Magnificus will officially open the academic year next Monday.

formal

The Rector Magnificus will officially open the academic year next Monday.

3

My dad's meeting with the rector to talk about the school's new sports hall.

informal

My dad's meeting with the rector to talk about the school's new sports hall.

4

Academic policy is ultimately determined by the board and the university rector.

academic

Academic policy is ultimately determined by the board and the university rector.

5

The rector signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the institution.

business

The rector signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the institution.

Word Family

Noun
rector
Adjective
rectorial
Related
rectorate

Common Collocations

university rector university rector
newly appointed rector newly appointed rector
rector's office rector's office
parish rector parish rector
acting rector acting rector

Common Phrases

Rector Magnificus

Great Rector (honorific title)

office of the rector

the administrative department or the role itself

rectoral election

an election to choose a rector

Often Confused With

rector vs director

A director is a general term for someone in charge of a project or company, while a rector is specific to academia or the church.

rector vs dean

A dean usually leads a specific department or faculty, whereas a rector leads the entire university.

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Usage Notes

Use 'rector' specifically when referring to the top leader of European or some Catholic/Episcopal educational or religious institutions. In the US, 'president' is more common for university heads.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'director' for university heads because of direct translations from other languages, but 'rector' is the precise term in many British and European contexts.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'direct'. A rector is like a director who 'rectifies' (sets right) the path of the university or parish.

📖

Word Origin

From Latin 'rector' meaning 'guider or ruler', from 'regere' (to rule or lead).

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: rectors Often capitalized when used as a title (e.g., Rector Smith)
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Cultural Context

In Scotland and many parts of Europe, the Rector of a university is often a high-ranking official or a student-elected representative, which carries significant prestige.

Quick Quiz

The university ___ announced a major increase in research funding for the next semester.

Correct!

The correct answer is: rector

Related Phrases

Related Words

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