Department

Definition

Department is a noun that refers to a distinct division within a larger organization, institution, or governmental body, with specific responsibilities or areas of focus. It can also describe a section in a store specializing in certain types of goods.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
• Respelling: dih-PART-muhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈpɑːtmənt/
• Respelling: dih-PAHT-muhnt

Etymology

The word "department" originates from the French "département," derived from the verb "départir," meaning "to divide" or "to distribute." This term entered Middle English and came to refer to administrative or functional divisions within larger structures.

Derivatives

• Departmental (adjective)
• Departmentally (adverb)
• Subdepartment (noun)
• Interdepartmental (adjective)
• Multidepartment (adjective)

Synonyms

• Division
• Section
• Branch

Antonyms

• Whole
• Entirety
• Unity

Usage

The term "department" is widely used in business, academic, and government contexts to refer to organized sections or units with specific roles, such as "human resources department" or "department of mathematics." It can also be used to describe retail sections, such as "the electronics department."

Related Terms

• Agency: An organization or division that provides a specific service.
• Bureau: A specialized branch within government or business.
• Office: A place or area of work within an organization.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A division within an organization, institution, or government: Refers to a section with specialized responsibilities within a larger entity.
  • Example: "She works in the finance department of the company."
• A section within a store that sells specific goods: Refers to the area within a retail space focused on a particular type of product.
  • Example: "The clothing department is on the second floor."
• A field or area of expertise: Sometimes used more broadly to describe an area of knowledge or activity.
  • Example: "Mathematics is not my department."