executive function — A set of mental skills that includes working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, which help a person plan, focus attention, and manage tasks.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A set of mental skills that includes working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, which help a person plan, focus attention, and manage tasks.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪɡˈzekjətɪv ˈfʌŋkʃən/
Example Sentences
- Children with strong executive function can resist eating candy before dinner.
- My executive function seems to shut down every Monday morning—I can't even find my own keys.
- Playing chess regularly helps improve executive function by training planning and impulse control.
executive function
NOUN[/ɪɡˈzekjətɪv ˈfʌŋkʃən/]
A set of mental skills that includes working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, which help a person plan, focus attention, and manage tasks.
Her executive function keeps three deadlines, two meetings, and one kid's lunchbox all on track.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Executive derives from Latin exsequi (to follow through, carry out), while function comes from Latin fungi (to perform, discharge). Psychologists coined the term 'executive function' as a metaphor, likening the brain's coordinating role to that of a company executive overseeing multiple cognitive operations.
Breakdown
Executive: ex- (out) + sequi (to follow) → to follow through to completion. Function: fungi (to perform, carry out) → the act of performing a duty or task.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Children with strong executive function can resist eating candy before dinner.”
“My executive function seems to shut down every Monday morning—I can't even find my own keys.”
“Playing chess regularly helps improve executive function by training planning and impulse control.”
“The teacher noticed that poor executive function was making it hard for the student to organize his backpack—or his life.”
“Doctors often assess executive function to understand how well a patient can plan and problem-solve.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.