institutional figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "institutional figure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person holding a socially recognized position or title, often in a political or other institutional environment. For example, "The president was seen as an institutional figure who represented the ideals of the nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It wasn't, in fact, that Obama energised the youth vote, so much as that an already-energised generation finally found an institutional figure who spoke about their concerns.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Napolitano could turn, possibly as early as Friday, to an institutional figure to help form a viable government.

The New York Times

"The new prime minister will be a strong institutional figure", he said, spurring rumours that Filippos Petsalnikos, the president of parliament, would succeed him.

The Economist

Mr. Napolitano could turn to an institutional figure to guide a future government backed by a majority of political forces, similar to the technocratic government of Mr. Monti.

The New York Times

"With the benefit of hindsight, there were probably more opportunities to be taken to highlight the change a Clinton presidency would represent – as opposed to presenting her as more of an institutional figure," said Geoff Garin, a Democratic pollster and strategist brought in to manage Clinton's campaign during its final weeks.

The Guardian

Consider the author of the forecast, a top Russian institutional figure with unimpeachable credentials, namely Professor Igor Panarin, a former KGB analyst and currently dean at Moscow's Foreign Ministry academy for future diplomats.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

So do the supposed institutional figures in the Cabinet: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called the new order "vital".

The New Yorker

New South Wales has had its own trouble in recent weeks, with the departure of one of their key institutional figures, Sam Dastyari, from the frontbench – a figure Shorten was very reluctant to move – over a fundraising imbroglio.

The Guardian

Asked whether he thought there is bias in the justice system, he said: "The institutional figures would suggest that … If you had gone to the black community in the past they would have given this feeling.

The Guardian

For example, in October, 2009, the high court declared unconstitutional a new law that would have made certain institutional figures, including the Prime Minister, immune from trial during their period of office.

The New Yorker

After a series of high-profile Mafia assassinations of major political and institutional figures, above all prefect-general Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa (and his wife) in Palermo in 1982, local elites began to evolve a strategy for combating the Mafia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "institutional figure" when you want to emphasize a person's role as a representative or embodiment of an organization's values and norms.

Common error

Avoid using "institutional figure" in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler term like "leader" or "representative" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "institutional figure" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes an individual who embodies or represents an institution, as evidenced in the examples Ludwig provides. It's usage emphasizes the individual's official position and the associated responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "institutional figure" is a noun phrase denoting a person who represents or embodies an institution. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not extremely common, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science. When writing, reserve "institutional figure" for contexts where you want to emphasize the representative role and organizational affiliation of an individual. It's important to be aware that it has high similarity to other terms, such as "establishment figure", "leading authority" and "senior official", and to select the alternative that best communicates your intended meaning in any context. Choose simpler words in informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishment figure

This alternative conveys a similar meaning by emphasizing the person's integration within the established system.

pillar of the institution

This suggests someone who is a key support or central part of an organization.

leading authority

This emphasizes the individual's expertise and influence within their institution.

senior official

This term highlights the person's high rank and formal position in an organization.

organizational leader

This focuses on their role as a guide or director within a structured group.

key player

This term emphasizes the individual's importance and influence within their field or organization.

influential member

This highlights the person's ability to affect decisions and actions within the institution.

respected leader

This indicates the person is held in high esteem by their peers and subordinates.

principal figure

This term stresses the person's primary or most important role.

esteemed individual

This emphasizes the person's high reputation and respectability.

FAQs

How can I use "institutional figure" in a sentence?

You can use "institutional figure" to describe someone who represents an organization, such as: "The president is an "institutional figure" embodying the company's values."

What's a good substitute for "institutional figure"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "institutional figure" could include "establishment figure", "leading authority", or "senior official".

When is it appropriate to use the term "institutional figure"?

Use "institutional figure" when referring to someone who holds a recognized position within an organization or institution and is seen as representing that entity.

What is the difference between an "institutional figure" and a "leader"?

While both terms refer to individuals in positions of authority, "institutional figure" emphasizes the representative role within an established organization, whereas "leader" focuses on the ability to guide and influence others, which doesn't have to be inside an official or an established organization.