A person who is given the power to act for someone else, especially a second-in-command or an assistant with official authority.
From Old French *depute* meaning 'appointed, delegated', from Latin *deputare* ('to assign, to consider'). The root idea is someone who has been officially chosen to act in another’s place.
A deputy isn’t just a helper; they’re a stand-in with real power borrowed from someone higher up. That’s why 'Deputy Director' or 'Deputy Sheriff' can still make big decisions when the boss is away.
Roles titled 'deputy' (e.g., deputy sheriff, deputy director) were historically restricted to men in many institutions, with women either excluded or placed in lower-status support roles. As women entered these positions, they often faced skepticism about their authority.
Use 'deputy' as a gender-neutral title and avoid assuming gender; pair with inclusive forms like 'Deputy Director [Name]' rather than gendered honorifics unless requested.
["assistant (if accurate)","vice- [role title] (if accurate)"]
When discussing the history of such offices, include women and gender-diverse deputies whose appointments marked important shifts in institutional inclusion.
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