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Functionary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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functionary

[หˆfสŒล‹kสƒษ™หŒnษ›ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

government official

A functionary is a person who has a position in a large organization, especially a government, and whose job involves dealing with official documents.

Synonyms

administrator, bureaucrat, official.

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Word Description / Examples
functionary

Used to describe someone who performs official duties in a specific role, often in a governmental or organizational capacity, typically emphasizing routine or clerical work.

  • As a low-level functionary, his job mainly involved processing paperwork
official

Describes someone holding a formal position of authority within an organization or government, particularly focusing on responsibility and decision-making.

  • The city official announced new policies to improve public transportation
bureaucrat

Often carries a negative connotation, describing a government or organizational official perceived as concerned with procedural correctness at the expense of people's needs.

  • Despite his good intentions, he was often labeled a bureaucrat due to his strict adherence to rules and regulations
administrator

Refers to a person responsible for running a business, organization, or institution, particularly focusing on management and organization of operations.

  • She serves as the school administrator, handling all operational aspects of the institution

Examples of usage

  • He was a faceless functionary in the Ministry of Information.
  • The functionaries at the embassy processed the visa applications efficiently.
  • She worked her way up from a lowly functionary to a high-ranking official.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In ancient Rome, officials known as functionaries played a crucial role in governance and public administration.
  • During the Enlightenment, functionaries became more systematic as governments began to operate more formally and bureaucratically.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, functionaries often symbolize the mechanization of society, depicting characters who are cogs in a bureaucratic machine.
  • Movies often portray functionaries as rigid or overly bureaucratic individuals, highlighting the challenges of adhering to strict protocols.

Modern Implications

  • Today, the term functionary often refers to civil servants and those in public administration, impacting policy and governance.
  • Functionaries may work in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and environmental management, each contributing to societal functions.

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals in roles classified as functionaries can experience stress related to the power structure and decision-making limitations.
  • Functionaries may often develop a strong sense of identity and community within their roles, impacting their job satisfaction and performance.

Origin of 'functionary'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'functionarius', which means 'a person who performs a function'.
  • Its first recorded use in English dates back to the 16th century, primarily in legal and governmental contexts.

The word 'functionary' originated in the late 18th century from the Latin word 'functionarius', meaning 'pertaining to performance of duties'. It was first used in English to describe a person performing official or administrative duties within an organization. Over time, the term has come to be associated particularly with government officials and bureaucrats.

See also: dysfunction, dysfunctional, functional, functionality, functionally, functionaries, functioning, functions, malfunction, malfunctions, misfunction, multifunctional, multifunctionality, nonfunctional, perfunctory.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,147, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.