Functionaries Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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functionaries
[หfสลkสษหneriz ]
Definition
government officials
Functionaries are government officials who are responsible for carrying out administrative or executive duties. They are typically appointed or hired to perform specific functions within an organization or government body.
Synonyms
bureaucrats, civil servants, officials.
Examples of usage
- Functionaries play a key role in implementing government policies.
- The functionaries in the department are responsible for ensuring smooth operations.
- She is a functionary tasked with managing the budget of the organization.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Political Science
- In many countries, functionaries are essential for implementing policies and maintaining order within public administration.
- They often serve under elected officials, playing a vital role in translating political decisions into practical actions.
Cultural Significance
- The role of functionaries varies significantly across cultures and can impact how effectively a government works.
- In some societies, the term 'functionary' may carry a negative connotation, suggesting bureaucracy or red tape.
Literature
- Functionaries often appear in literature as characters representing the establishment, sometimes critiqued for their lack of passion or innovation.
- In dystopian novels, functionaries are sometimes portrayed as oppressive agents who uphold unjust systems.
Historical Context
- Historically, functionaries have been pivotal during revolutions, as they can either support change or maintain the status quo.
- The development of modern day civil service systems during the 19th century established formal roles for functionaries in governance.
Origin of 'functionaries'
Main points about word origin
- The word is derived from the Latin word 'functio', meaning 'performance, execution, or office', highlighting the role of people in executing duties.
- It came into English usage in the late 19th century, connecting the concept of roles within organized structures, especially in governance.
The term 'functionaries' originates from the French word 'fonctionnaire', which means government official. It has been used in English since the early 19th century to refer to individuals who perform official functions within a government or organization.
See also: dysfunction, dysfunctional, functional, functionality, functionally, functionary, functioning, functions, malfunction, malfunctions, misfunction, multifunctional, multifunctionality, nonfunctional, perfunctory.