Administrator: meaning, definitions and examples

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administrator

[ədˈmɪnɪˌstreɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

office

A person responsible for running a business, organization, etc.

Synonyms

director, executive, manager.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
administrator	Used for individuals responsible for managing policies, organizing resources, and overseeing administrative tasks in institutions like schools, hospitals, or other organizations. The school administrator implemented new safety policies. Hospital administrators handle patient records and staff coordination.
manager	Commonly used for people who manage teams or departments, focusing on operational tasks, managing staff, and achieving specific business objectives. The sales manager set new monthly targets. She talked to her manager about her project progress.
director	Refers to a person in a senior position who is responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of a department or the entire organization. Commonly used in corporate, non-profit or arts settings. The director of marketing developed a new campaign strategy. She is the director of the art gallery.
executive	Describes someone holding a high-level managerial role, often part of the leadership team, responsible for making significant decisions within the company. This term is prevalent in business and corporate contexts. The company executive approved the annual budget. He is an executive at a major tech firm.

Examples of usage

The school administrator oversees the daily operations of the school.
The hospital administrator manages the budget and staff.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

A person who manages and maintains computer systems and networks within an organization.

Synonyms

IT specialist, network engineer, sysadmin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
administrator	General term for someone who manages operations or systems, typically in an office or organizational setting. The school administrator will handle all the scheduling. You should contact the administrator for any questions regarding policy changes.
IT specialist	Used for someone who has expertise in information technology and handles technical issues or systems within an organization. If you're having trouble with your computer, speak to the IT specialist. The IT specialist set up the new software for us.
network engineer	Specifically refers to someone who designs, implements, and manages network systems, such as internet and intranet connections. The network engineer is working on improving the Wi-Fi coverage. Our network engineer ensured that the new servers are connected efficiently.
sysadmin	Short for 'system administrator,' referring to someone who manages and maintains computer systems, typically focusing on servers and networks. It is often used informally. The sysadmin fixed the server outage quickly. You need to submit a request to the sysadmin to get access to the new database.

Examples of usage

The network administrator troubleshoots IT issues for the company.
The system administrator ensures the security of the digital infrastructure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin root 'administrare', which means 'to manage' or 'to direct'.
In old French, the term also implied a position of authority with responsibility, reflecting the role's significance.
Evolving through the centuries, it was formalized in English during the late 14th century, connecting closely to governance.

Historical Context

With the rise of large organizations in the 19th century, the role of an administrator became essential for systematic management.
The establishment of universities and schools led to the creation of administrative roles to handle increasing student populations and complex operations.
During World War II, administrators played a key role in managing resources and personnel, showcasing the importance of their work in crises.

Pop Culture

TV shows often portray administrators in schools, highlighting their challenges in maintaining order and addressing student needs.
In technology, numerous fictional characters, such as in 'The Office', provide comedic insights into the daily lives of different administrators.
Video games sometimes feature administrators, where players can assume the role of a manager overseeing growth and strategy.

Science

Research shows that effective administration is crucial for organizations to foster innovation and productivity.
Studies in organizational psychology reveal that strong leadership by administrators can greatly influence workplace morale.
The development of administration as a field has led to particular theories aimed at improving organizational behavior and efficiency.

Literature

In classic literature, characters taking on administrative roles often symbolize order versus chaos in societal structures.
Modern novels frequently feature strong administrative characters who navigate complex personal and professional challenges, reflecting real-world dynamics.
Personal memoirs from successful business figures often discuss the importance of effective administration in achieving their goals.

Translations

Translations of the word "administrator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 administrador

🇮🇳 प्रशासक

🇩🇪 Administrator

🇮🇩 administrator

🇺🇦 адміністратор

🇵🇱 administrator

🇯🇵 管理者 (かんりしゃ)

🇫🇷 administrateur

🇪🇸 administrador

🇹🇷 yönetici

🇰🇷 관리자

🇸🇦 مدير

🇨🇿 administrátor

🇸🇰 administrátor

🇨🇳 管理员

🇸🇮 administrator

🇮🇸 stjórnandi

🇰🇿 әкімші

🇬🇪 ადმინისტრატორი

🇦🇿 idarəçi

🇲🇽 administrador

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,363, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4360 barrier
4361 functioning
4362 repeatedly
4363 administrator
4364 anybody
4365 penalties
4366 ceiling
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