Leadership
/ˈliːd.ər.ʃɪp/noun
The position or ability of leading a group or organization.
Did you know?Leadership is a modern English abstraction built from the old verb *lead*, whose deep Germanic roots are tied to the idea of “going” or “causing to go,” not ruling by force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leith-
“to go, pass, or be out of sight”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*laidijaną
“to cause to go, guide, lead”
Old English
OE
lǣdan
“to lead, bring, guide”
Middle English
ME
leden
“to lead, conduct”
Late Middle English
English
leadership
“the office, function, or quality of leading”