Clerical: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to tasks related to office work, such as typing, filing, and other routine administrative duties. Often implies detailed and repetitive work.

• She handles clerical duties like filing and answering phones
• The clerical staff are responsible for managing the office records

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.

• He works in an office environment that caters to various administrative needs
• The office staff are essential in keeping the company’s operations running smoothly

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.

• He holds an administrative position managing the company's operations
• Administrative tasks include organizing meetings and overseeing projects

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.

• Her desk job involves a lot of data entry and report writing
• I spend most of my day at the desk handling emails and documents

This word can also pertain to duties related to clergy or religious officials within a church setting.

• His clerical responsibilities include overseeing the parish records and church correspondence.

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.

• The ecclesiastical authority decided to appoint a new bishop.
• The council discussed matters of ecclesiastical law.

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.

• His priestly duties often require him to counsel members of the congregation.
• She admired his priestly dedication and sense of compassion.

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.

• The ministerial duties in their church include conducting services and visiting the sick.
• He was given a ministerial role within the government to manage foreign affairs.