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Majordomo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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majordomo

[ˌmeɪdʒərˈdoʊmoʊ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

household staff

A majordomo is a person who manages the staff of a large household or estate. This role often includes overseeing the operations of the household, coordinating events, and ensuring that all domestic staff fulfill their duties. The majordomo acts as a key point of contact between the household and the outside world, including guests and service providers. Historically, the majordomo played an important role in noble families and palaces, where managing extensive staff was necessary.

Synonyms

butler, housekeeper, steward.

Examples of usage

  • The majordomo ensured the dinner party went off without a hitch.
  • In the grand estate, the majordomo was responsible for all household management.
  • Guests were greeted by the majordomo upon their arrival.
  • The majordomo coordinated the staff to prepare for the royal visit.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In medieval times, a majordomo was responsible for overseeing the services and staff in an estate, ensuring the household ran smoothly.
  • This role was crucial in large families with many servants, as trust was placed in the majordomo to manage daily operations.
  • The position has evolved, and while it's less common in modern homes, it can still be found in luxury settings or with estates.

Cultural Representation

  • In literature and film, majordomos often serve as comedic or wise characters, reflecting the complexity of their roles.
  • The character of the majordomo is portrayed in various cultures as someone with both authority and a deep understanding of the household dynamics.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the term can extend beyond households to include managers or heads of organizations, especially in hospitality.
  • In tech and businesses, a majordomo may oversee projects or operations, positioning the role within a more contemporary framework.

Psychology

  • The majordomo's role often involves balancing authority and service, showcasing social dynamics within hierarchical structures.
  • Positioning a majordomo in literature can explore themes of power, responsibility, and loyalty within various narratives.

Origin of 'majordomo'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Italian 'maggiordomo,' which means 'the one who is in charge of the house.'
  • It has Latin roots, combining 'major' (meaning greater or chief) and 'domus' (meaning home), signifying a high-ranking servant.
  • Originally, it referred to a household steward in noble or aristocratic families.

The term 'majordomo' originates from the Latin word 'major domus', which means 'greater house'. In historical contexts, it referred to the head of a household and was often used in noble and royal settings. The majordomo was responsible for managing servants and the smooth operation of the estate. Over time, the role has evolved and is now commonly used in modern contexts to refer to someone in charge of household staff, particularly in large homes or luxury establishments. This position highlights the importance of management and organization in domestic settings, a concept that has remained relevant throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,325, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.