Clerical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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clerical
[หklษrษชkษl ]
Definitions
work environment
Relating to office work or work done at a desk, typically of a routine nature.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| clerical |
Used when referring to tasks related to office work, such as typing, filing, and other routine administrative duties. Often implies detailed and repetitive work.
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| office |
Refers generally to work done within an office setting, encompassing a wide range of duties from clerical to administrative tasks. Can also imply the physical location where such work takes place.
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| administrative |
Used in a broader sense than 'clerical', often referring to higher-level office tasks including planning, coordinating, and managing an office or an organization. Commonly associated with positions that have more authority and responsibility.
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| desk |
Commonly used to describe jobs or tasks that are performed at a desk, implying routine office work that can involve paperwork, computer tasks, and general office duties.
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Examples of usage
- Clerical duties include filing, data entry, and answering phone calls.
- She was responsible for clerical tasks such as typing up reports and scheduling appointments.
religion
Relating to the clergy or the formal religious services of a church.
Synonyms
ecclesiastical, ministerial, priestly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| clerical |
This word can also pertain to duties related to clergy or religious officials within a church setting.
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| ecclesiastical |
This term is used specifically to describe things related to the Christian Church or its clergy. It is often formal and used in religious or academic contexts.
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| priestly |
This term is specifically used to describe actions, duties, or qualities that are characteristic of priests. It is very context-specific and typically used in a religious setting.
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| ministerial |
This word refers to duties or activities related to ministers of the church or could be pertaining to governmental duties carried out by ministers. It can be used in both religious and political contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He wore clerical robes for the church service.
- Her clerical duties as a priest included leading prayers and conducting ceremonies.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Role
- In medieval times, clerical roles were crucial for record keeping, especially for literacy among officials and clerics.
- Clerks recorded church records like baptisms and weddings, making them vital to social organization.
Pop Culture
- Clerical work has been humorously portrayed in movies and shows, highlighting the sometimes mundane side of office life.
- In the series 'The Office,' clerical characters play a key role in illustrating workplace dynamics and relationships.
Modern Usage
- Today, clerical jobs encompass roles like secretaries, administrative assistants, and data entry clerks.
- Technology has transformed clerical work, with many tasks now performed using computers and software applications.
Psychology & Work Culture
- Clerical staff often form the backbone of team organizations, providing essential support that keeps operations running smoothly.
- The role can impact employee morale significantly, as clerical workers contribute to the efficiency and communication within teams.
Origin of 'clerical'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'clerical' comes from the Latin word 'clericus,' which means 'clerk' or 'priest.'
- Historically, clerical jobs were often associated with church duties before becoming common in business and administrations.
The word 'clerical' originated from the Late Latin word 'clericฤlis', which means 'of the clergy'. It first appeared in English in the 17th century. The term was initially used to describe the duties and responsibilities of clergy members but later expanded to refer to office work and administrative tasks. Today, 'clerical' is commonly used in both a religious context and to describe administrative tasks in a workplace setting.