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Ministers Meaning: Definition and Examples

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ministers

[ˈmΙͺnΙͺstΙ™rz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government officials

Ministers are high-ranking officials in a government who are responsible for specific departments or areas of public policy, government function, or administration. They typically head ministries and are accountable for the operations and policies of their departments.

Synonyms

administrators, chiefs, secretaries.

Examples of usage

  • The ministers met to discuss the new policy changes.
  • The education minister announced an increase in funding for schools.
  • Several ministers resigned over the scandal.
  • The prime minister appointed new ministers after the election.
Context #2 | Noun

religious leaders

Ministers can also refer to individuals authorized to perform religious functions, such as conducting services, providing spiritual guidance, and administering sacraments in various faiths. They often lead congregations and offer pastoral care.

Synonyms

clergymen, pastors, spiritual leaders.

Examples of usage

  • The minister delivered a heartfelt sermon on Sunday.
  • Many ministers provide counseling to their community members.
  • The church appointed a new minister after the previous one retired.
  • Ministers often participate in interfaith dialogues.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'minister' comes from the Latin word 'minister', meaning 'servant' or 'attendant', reflecting the role of serving the people.
  • In the 17th century, the word began to be used in the context of political leadership, especially in European monarchies.
  • Some of the earliest known ministers were religious leaders, working for kings and queens in medieval times.

Political Systems

  • In parliamentary systems, ministers often head specific departments like health or education, known as cabinet ministers.
  • In the United States, the term is not commonly used; instead, similar roles are referred to as 'secretaries' or 'administrators'.
  • The power and responsibilities of ministers can vary greatly from one country to another, reflecting different governance styles.

Cultural Significance

  • Ministers are not just politicians; throughout history, many have inspired social change and reform movements, promoting justice and equality.
  • In some cultures, being a minister is seen as a noble vocation, akin to being a community leader or a healer.
  • In modern media, ministers often appear in news headlines, influencing public opinion and policy-making.

Social Psychology

  • Research shows that public trust in ministers can significantly influence their effectiveness in governance and policy implementation.
  • The perception of ministers often reflects societal values; leaders who are seen as benevolent are more likely to gain public support.
  • Crowdsourcing ideas through public consultations has become a modern tactic for ministers to engage citizens and shape policy.

Literature and Representation

  • Ministers and their roles have been depicted extensively in literature, often highlighting themes of power, morality, and governance.
  • From Shakespearean plays to contemporary novels, ministers are portrayed both as ethically upright leaders and as power-hungry villains.
  • In political satire, ministers are a common target, often portrayed humorously to critique government actions and decisions.

Origin of 'ministers'

The word 'minister' originates from the Latin 'minister', which means 'servant' or 'attendant'. The term was used in a religious context during the Middle Ages to denote individuals who served a religious role. Over time, it evolved to encompass roles in secular leadership and governance. The use of 'minister' in the political sense became prominent in the 16th century as European states began to formalize the concept of government officials responsible for specific areas of public administration. The notion of a minister as a governmental head or an appointed official continues to be a critical aspect of political structures in many countries today.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,894, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.