Secretary

Definition

The term "secretary" describes a person employed to assist with administrative tasks, correspondence, and record-keeping, or a government official heading a department or ministry.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛk.rəˌtɛr.i/
• Respelling: SEK-ruh-tair-ee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛk.rə.t(ə)r.i/
• Respelling: SEK-ruh-tuh-ree

Etymology

The word "secretary" originates from the Latin "secretarius," meaning "confidential clerk," derived from "secretum," meaning "a secret." It entered the English language in the late 14th century to refer to a person entrusted with private or confidential matters.

Derivatives

• Secretarial (adjective)
• Undersecretary (noun)
• Secretaryship (noun)
• Subsecretary (noun)
• Executive Secretary (noun)

Synonyms

• Assistant
• Clerk
• Administrator

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "secretary" is widely used in both corporate and governmental contexts. For example: "The secretary scheduled a meeting for the manager," or "The Secretary of State attended the international summit."

Related Terms

• Administrator: A person responsible for managing an office or organization.
• Executive: A high-level official with decision-making authority.
• Assistant: A person who provides support to someone in a higher role.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A person who assists with administrative tasks: Refers to someone handling correspondence, scheduling, and record-keeping.
  • Example: "The secretary organized all the files for the meeting."
• A government official heading a department: Refers to an individual in charge of a governmental ministry or agency.
  • Example: "The Secretary of Defense outlined the new security policies."
• A writing desk with compartments: Refers to a piece of furniture traditionally used for writing and storing documents.
  • Example: "The antique secretary was placed in the study."