Faculty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽ“
Add to dictionary

faculty

[หˆfรฆkษ™lti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

educational institution

A faculty is a division within a university or college comprising one subject area, or a group of related subject areas, and typically responsible for academic research and teaching.

Synonyms

department, division, school.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
faculty

Used to refer to the academic staff of a university or college, or sometimes the academic departments of a university.

  • The university's faculty members are leaders in their fields
  • The engineering faculty is organizing a conference
department

Used to refer to a specific section within a larger organization or institution, usually focusing on a particular area of study or function.

  • She works in the marketing department
  • The biology department has received new research funding
school

Refers to a larger organizational unit that offers education and can encompass various departments or faculties, especially within a university context.

  • He is studying at the School of Medicine
  • The School of Business Administration has a high reputation
division

Refers to a larger unit within an organization that may encompass multiple departments or serves to organize into broader categories.

  • The company has several divisions, including finance and human resources
  • The university's Division of Humanities offers various interdisciplinary programs

Examples of usage

  • The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University is one of the oldest in the country.
  • She is a member of the faculty at the School of Medicine.
  • Each faculty member brings a unique perspective to the table.
  • The faculty is dedicated to providing quality education to its students.
  • The faculty meeting will be held in the lecture hall.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

  • A faculty typically consists of academic departments that specialize in particular subjects, such as science or humanities.
  • The concept helps organize educational institutions, allowing students to easily identify their areas of study.

Psychology

  • In psychology, 'faculty' can refer to mental capabilities such as memory, perception, and reasoning.
  • The term is used to distinguish between different types of cognitive skills needed for learning.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, faculty members are often portrayed as either strict disciplinarians or supportive mentors in university settings.
  • Shows like 'Community' highlight the diverse personalities and interactions between faculty and students.

History

  • Historically, faculties were among the earliest organizational structures in universities, dating back to the 12th century.
  • The ancient Greeks and Romans valued educated individuals, setting a foundation for future educational systems.

Origin of 'faculty'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'facultas', meaning 'ability' or 'power', reflecting the skills of teachers.
  • In the medieval period, it evolved to refer specifically to a division of a university, such as faculty of arts or law.

The word 'faculty' originated from the Latin word 'facultas', meaning 'ability' or 'power'. It was first used in the 14th century to refer to a group of people with a particular skill or ability. Over time, the term became associated with academic institutions and the staff members within them.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,946, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.