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Ministers: meaning, definitions and examples

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ministers

 

[ ˈmΙͺnΙͺstΙ™rz ]

Noun
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.

Word origin

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.