Trustee

Definition

Trustee is an individual or organization appointed to manage assets or property on behalf of another or for the benefit of third parties.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /trʌˈstiː/
• Respelling: truh-STEE (with "truh" as in "truck" and "STEE" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /trʌˈstiː/
• Respelling: truh-STEE (similar to American English, with "truh" as in "truck" and "STEE" like in "see")

In both dialects, "trustee" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable "STEE." The word starts with "truh," akin to the beginning sound in "truck," followed by "STEE," which rhymes with words like "see" and "tree." The pronunciation is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

The term "trustee" originates from the Middle English word "trusti", an adjective meaning 'reliable or trustworthy', which evolved into a noun to describe someone in whom confidence or trust is placed. It is derived from the word "trust" with the addition of the suffix "-ee" indicating a person who is the recipient of the action.

Derivatives

• Trusteeship (noun)
• Trustor (noun)
• Trustee's deed (noun)
• Trustee account (noun)
• Trustee-to-trustee transfer (noun)

Synonyms

• Custodian
• Guardian
• Steward

Antonyms

• Beneficiary
• Trustor
• Debtor

Usage

• "The trustee of the estate is responsible for managing the property until the beneficiary comes of age."
• "School boards are often composed of elected trustees who make decisions about education policy."

Related Terms

• Trust
• Beneficiary
• Fiduciary
• Executor
• Will

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Person or Entity Holding Property in Trust: An individual, corporation, or other entity appointed to manage and hold property in trust for the benefit of another person or beneficiaries.
• Example: The bank was named as the trustee for the child's inheritance.

• Member of a Governing Body: A member of a board elected or appointed to direct the funds and policy of an institution.
• Example: The university's board of trustees voted in favor of the new scholarship program.