executive function

[ ig-zek-yuh-tiv fuhngk-shuhn ]

/ ɪgˈzɛk yə tɪv ˈfʌŋk ʃən /

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noun

a set of cognitive skills used to control one’s thoughts and behavior, especially the skills needed to focus on and organize tasks.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also ex·ec·u·tive func·tion·ing

[ig-zek-yuh-tiv fuhngk-shuh-ning] /ɪgˈzɛk yə tɪv ˈfʌŋk ʃə nɪŋ/ .

Words nearby executive function

executive agreement, executive branch, executive class, executive council, executive director, executive function, Executive Mansion, Executive Office of the President, executive officer, executive order, executive privilege

How to use executive function in a sentence

Both meditation and exercise have been shown to improve executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and self-control.
Why Running Brands Are Betting on Mindfulness|syadron|September 10, 2021|Outside Online
The second cognitive test, known as the Stroop test, assessed more complex elements of executive function, like the ability to override your instinctive response.
How to Choose the Right Dose of Exercise for Your Brain|Alex Hutchinson|May 28, 2021|Outside Online
Studies have linked autonomy with confidence and better executive function in children.
I Was Constantly Arguing With My Child. Then I Learned the “TEAM” Method of Calmer Parenting|Michaeleen Doucleff|March 6, 2021|Time
Previous studies have found an association between using multiple forms of media and poor executive function and goal-setting abilities.
Heavy media multitasking might make you more forgetful|Kat Eschner|October 28, 2020|Popular-Science

It’s among a set of mental skills known as executive function.
Puberty may reboot the brain and behaviors|Esther Landhuis|August 27, 2020|Science News For Students
“Having been a legislator and a mayor, I particularly enjoy being a chief executive,” he said.
The Golden State Preps for the ‘Red Wedding’ of Senate Races|David Freedlander|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Reached for comment, one high-level industry executive refused to say a word.
Pyongyang Shuffle: Hollywood In Dead Panic Over Sony Hack|James Poulos|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Colfer adapted the later into a 2012 film, which he also executive produced and starred in.
Chris Colfer on Writing, Acting, and the Pain of Being A Pop Culture Trailblazer|Oliver Jones|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
All those bloodthirsty tweets and arcane exhortations and now we find out you were an advertising executive—an ad exec!
The Scared Widdle Kitty of ISIS|Jacob Siegel|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After the show, Executive Chef Michael Franey explained the process by which the theater selects its menu.
Dinner at Nitehawk Cinema: ‘Christmas Vacation’ and a Beer in a Pear Tree|Rich Goldstein|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To Harrison and his wife there was no distinction between the executive and judicial branches of the law.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden
Polavieja, as everybody knew, was the chosen executive of the friars, whose only care was to secure their own position.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
To prevent intruders or extruders from withdrawing his mind from the text, he exercises the Inhibitory function of the Attention.
Assimilative Memory|Marcus Dwight Larrowe (AKA Prof. A. Loisette)
Little girls perhaps represent the attractive function of adornment: they like to be thought pretty.
Children's Ways|James Sully
Its resolution will be put into practice with all fidelity by the executive power in its character of responsible government.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman

Medical definitions for executive function

executive function

[ ĭg-zĕk′yə-tĭv ]

The cognitive process that regulates an individual's ability to organize thoughts and activities, prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and make decisions. Impairment of executive function is seen in a range of disorders, including some pervasive developmental disorders and nonverbal learning disabilities.