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Amanuensis Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amanuensis

[əˌmænjuˈɛnsɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

office worker

A person employed to write or type what another person dictates or to copy what has been written by another person.

Synonyms

clerk, copyist, scribe.

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Word Description / Examples
amanuensis

Typically used in academic or historical contexts to describe someone who writes or types what another person dictates.

  • The professor dictated his book to his amanuensis
scribe

Can refer to someone who writes, especially in historical or formal contexts, and often for record-keeping; also used in religious or ancient settings.

  • The scribe carefully documented the king's decree on a scroll
clerk

Commonly used in offices, businesses, or law where someone handles administrative tasks, filing, and documentation.

  • The clerk organized the files for the upcoming meeting
copyist

Used when referring to someone who reproduces written material, such as manuscripts or music, often for historical or archival purposes.

  • The museum hired a copyist to reproduce the ancient manuscripts

Examples of usage

  • He worked as an amanuensis for the famous author, typing up all of his manuscripts.
  • The amanuensis transcribed the doctor's notes into a digital format.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In ancient times, an assistant or scribe who would write down the words of a speaker, typically in a formal or official setting.

Synonyms

assistant, secretary, stenographer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amanuensis

A role typically used in historical or formal contexts to describe someone who takes dictation or writes manuscripts at another person's direction.

  • In the 18th century, many scholars employed an amanuensis to help them with their writing.
  • The professor's amanuensis compiled all his lecture notes into a comprehensive guide.
secretary

A person who performs administrative duties such as typing, filing, and answering phones. This term is commonly used in a business or office setting.

  • The company hired a new secretary to manage the front desk.
  • She is exceptionally organized, making her the perfect secretary for the office.
assistant

A general term for someone who helps another person with various tasks. This role can be found in many different fields and is not limited to administrative work.

  • She works as a teaching assistant at the university.
  • The manager and her assistant coordinated the event.
stenographer

Someone who specializes in transcribing speech in shorthand. This role is often associated with legal and court settings.

  • The stenographer recorded every word spoken during the trial.
  • She learned stenography to work as a court reporter.

Examples of usage

  • The amanuensis quickly recorded the king's speech as he addressed the court.
  • During the Roman Empire, an amanuensis would accompany important officials to document their meetings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous authors like Charles Dickens used amanuenses to help with writing and transcribing their works.
  • The role of an amanuensis has been depicted in various literary works, showcasing their importance in the creative process.

Historical Significance

  • Before the typewriter and computers, many scholars and writers relied on amanuenses to produce documents, making them crucial in preserving texts.
  • In the 19th century, this role became formalized in academic settings where students would assist professors with their lectures and writings.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears in modern film and television, often as a quirky trait for characters who have secretaries or assistants writing their thoughts.
  • In the context of tech, voice-to-text software can be seen as a modern-day amanuensis, converting spoken words into written text.

Professional Roles

  • Today, the concept of an amanuensis has evolved to include roles such as secretaries, personal assistants, and administrative professionals who manage written communication.
  • In some fields, like medicine, an amanuensis may help document patient information, showcasing their importance in various professions.

Origin of 'amanuensis'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'amanuensis', meaning 'one who is in charge of the hand', which refers to someone who writes by hand.
  • Historical usage of the term dates back to ancient Rome, where scribes were essential for communication and documentation.

The word 'amanuensis' comes from the Latin word 'amanuensis', which means 'slave at hand'. In ancient Rome, an amanuensis was a slave or servant who would take dictation or transcribe for their master. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a professional scribe or secretary. The role of an amanuensis was crucial in preserving and disseminating important information in historical and literary contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,397 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.