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Clerk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clerk

[klɜːrk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

job position

A clerk is a person who works in an office, dealing with records or performing general office duties.

Synonyms

office assistant, receptionist, secretary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clerk

Typically used in retail or administrative environments to describe an employee who handles general office tasks. It can also refer to someone working in a store assisting customers or handling transactions.

  • The store clerk helped me find the right size.
  • As a clerk, Jane manages filing and data entry for the company's records.
office assistant

Best used to describe someone who supports office operations but might have a broader range of administrative tasks compared to a clerk. They often help multiple departments or individuals.

  • Our office assistant is invaluable, handling everything from scheduling meetings to managing office supplies.
  • The office assistant coordinated the preparation of all the documents for the meeting.
secretary

Often used to refer to someone who provides direct support to an executive or a team, including tasks like managing schedules, handling correspondence, and preparing documents. The term can have a more traditional or formal connotation.

  • The CEO's secretary scheduled an urgent meeting for tomorrow.
  • Being a secretary involves managing a lot of the director's correspondence and appointments.
receptionist

Appropriate for describing someone who primarily manages the front desk of an office or business, greeting visitors, answering phones, and handling inquiries.

  • The receptionist greeted us warmly as we entered the office.
  • As the receptionist, Sarah answers calls and directs them to the appropriate department.

Examples of usage

  • The clerk at the front desk greeted customers with a smile.
  • She started as a clerk but worked her way up to a managerial position.
  • The court clerk was responsible for filing legal documents.
  • The library clerk helped patrons find books and information.
  • The administrative clerk organized paperwork and schedules.
Context #2 | Noun

retail

In a retail setting, a clerk is a person who assists customers, handles transactions, and restocks shelves.

Synonyms

salesperson, shop assistant, store attendant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clerk

This term is also commonly used in the United States to describe someone who works in a retail environment, handling sales transactions and customer queries.

  • The clerk at the bookstore was very knowledgeable.
  • I asked the clerk for help finding the right size.
salesperson

This term typically refers to someone whose main responsibility is selling products or services. It implies a focus on driving sales and meeting targets.

  • The salesperson convinced me to buy the latest gadget.
  • She works as a salesperson at a car dealership.
shop assistant

Commonly used in the UK, this term describes someone who helps customers in a retail shop, from stocking shelves to handling purchases.

  • I asked the shop assistant if they had this dress in a different size.
  • The shop assistant was very helpful and friendly.
store attendant

This term can be used to describe someone who works in various types of stores, performing tasks such as assisting customers, stocking shelves, and maintaining the store's appearance. It is a more general term and can apply to many different retail environments.

  • The store attendant helped me find what I was looking for.
  • I asked the store attendant for assistance with my purchase.

Examples of usage

  • The clerk at the store helped me find the perfect gift.
  • The sales clerk rang up my purchases at the register.
  • He worked part-time as a clerk in the grocery store.
  • The store clerk informed me about the upcoming sale.
  • The clerk in the clothing department was knowledgeable about the latest fashion trends.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In the 19th century, clerical roles expanded significantly with the rise of industrialization, creating a demand for record-keeping.
  • Clerks played crucial roles during both World Wars, managing supplies and documentation related to military efforts.
  • The introduction of the typewriter in the late 1800s revolutionized clerical work, increasing efficiency and professionalism.

Pop Culture

  • The 1994 film 'Clerks', directed by Kevin Smith, highlighted the mundane yet humorous experiences of retail clerks.
  • In many video games, such as role-playing games, clerks serve as NPCs who give players information or sell items.
  • Clerks have been portrayed in various TV shows, often symbolizing the 'everyday worker' in humorous or relatable situations.

Modern Roles

  • Today, clerks work in a variety of settings, including retail, government offices, and banks, providing essential support.
  • Job titles like 'Administrative Assistant' and 'Sales Associate' encompass various tasks that clerks perform in modern workplaces.
  • The digital age has transformed clerical work, with clerks now often managing data and using software to streamline processes.

Origin of 'clerk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'clerk' comes from the Old French 'clerc', meaning 'priest', originally referring to someone who could read and write.
  • In medieval times, clerks were often scribes and important figures in the church and governmental records due to their literacy.
  • The usage of 'clerk' evolved to include various administrative roles as society required more organization.

The word 'clerk' originated from the Old English word 'clerc', which meant a clergyman or scholar. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to someone who can read and write. In the Middle Ages, clerks were often associated with clerical work in religious or administrative settings. The modern usage of 'clerk' to describe an office or retail worker emerged in the 16th century. Today, clerks play vital roles in various industries, providing support, assistance, and organization.

See also: clergy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,255, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.