In this vocabulary question, select the synonym that best expresses the meaning of the verb to preside.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks the learner understanding of English vocabulary, specifically the meaning of the verb to preside. Synonym questions are very common in competitive examinations because they test depth of vocabulary, awareness of shades of meaning, and the ability to distinguish between words that may appear related but are actually used in different contexts. The verb to preside is often encountered in news reports, formal meetings, and descriptions of official functions. Therefore, recognising its nearest meaning among similar looking verbs is important for strong reading and writing skills.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: to preside.
• Options: to acquiesce, to concur, to officiate, to accord.
• Exactly one option should be the closest correct synonym.
• We assume standard modern English usage in formal and semi formal contexts.

Concept / Approach:
To preside generally means to be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, or official gathering, often in the role of a chairperson, judge, or leader. It carries the idea of supervising proceedings, guiding the process, or directing what happens. When choosing a synonym, we must look for a verb that conveys this sense of taking the lead role during a formal event. Words that only mean to agree, to permit, or to give something will not match the specific idea of chairing or leading a session.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify the correctness by using both words in a similar sentence. For example, The judge presided over the trial can be rephrased as The judge officiated at the trial. While not perfect in every context, the substitution still carries the central idea of performing an official function at the event. In contrast, saying The judge concurred over the trial or The judge acquiesced over the trial does not make sense. Therefore, to officiate is clearly the best synonym for to preside in this set of options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• To acquiesce means to accept something reluctantly but without protest, so it is about agreement, not leadership.
• To concur means to agree with someone or something, again focusing on agreement rather than conducting a meeting or event.
• To accord means to grant or give something, such as a privilege or honour, which is different from presiding over a gathering.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to pick a word simply because it sounds formal or appears often in similar contexts. Many learners see verbs like concur or acquiesce in official language and assume they must be close in meaning to preside. However, good vocabulary skills require careful attention to the exact sense of a word and the typical phrases in which it is used. To avoid such pitfalls, learners should build familiarity with common collocations, for example preside over a meeting and officiate at a function, which clearly reveal the shared meaning of these verbs.

Final Answer:
to officiate