Office: meaning, definitions and examples

💼

Add to dictionary

office

[ˈɔfɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

workplace environment

A room or a set of rooms in which business, professional, or clerical work is carried out.

Synonyms

workplace, workspace, workstation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
office	Generally refers to a physical room or set of rooms where business, administrative, or professional work is done. Can be used to describe the place where someone works on a daily basis. I have to go to the office early tomorrow for a meeting. Her office is on the 10th floor of the building.
workplace	Used to refer to any location where work is performed, including offices, factories, and stores. It encompasses the general environment and conditions of the place of employment. The company is working on improving the safety in the workplace. He loves the friendly atmosphere at his workplace.
workstation	Refers to an individual’s specific desk, cubicle, or the equipment setup used for work, often in a technical or computing context. Frequently implies a high-performance setup used for specialized tasks. He upgraded his workstation to handle more complex graphics work. Each employee is assigned a workstation with a computer and phone.
workspace	Focused on the specific area or space where an individual performs their tasks. This can be a desk, a cubicle, or even a virtual environment. I need to organize my workspace to be more productive. Her workspace is always cluttered with papers and books.

Examples of usage

The office was bustling with activity as employees prepared for the upcoming deadline.
She sat at her desk in the corner of the office, surrounded by paperwork.
His office had a view of the city skyline, which he enjoyed during his breaks.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

position or duty

A position of authority, trust, or service, typically one of a public or official character.

Synonyms

duty, position, role.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
office	This word is best used when referring to a physical place where business or professional work is done, or a high-ranking government job. She spends most of her day at the office. He was elected to the office of mayor last year.
position	This term is often used to describe a person's job title or rank within an organization, often focusing on the hierarchical aspect. She was promoted to the position of senior manager. He applied for the position of a marketing coordinator.
role	This word works well when describing the functions, responsibilities, or expected behavior within a job or social situation. His role in the project is to manage the resources. She plays an important role in her community.
duty	This word is suitable when talking about a responsibility or obligation that someone is required to perform by virtue of their job, role, or moral obligation. It's your duty to inform your manager about any issues. He feels it’s his duty to care for his elderly parents.

Examples of usage

She was elected to the office of president for the next term.
He took on the office of treasurer for the organization.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

service or function

A service or a function provided by an organization or person.

Synonyms

department, function, service.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
office	Refers to a physical space where business activities are conducted or a position of authority within a company or government. She goes to the office every day He was elected to the office of Mayor
service	Refers to the action of helping or doing work for someone, or a department providing a particular type of assistance. Customer service is available 24/7 The bus service runs every 15 minutes
function	Describes a specific activity or role of a person or thing, often within an organization. His function is to oversee the project management The primary function of this device is communication
department	Used to describe a division within a larger organization that handles specific tasks or functions. She works in the marketing department The department of health issued new guidelines

Examples of usage

The office of customer support is available 24/7 to assist with any inquiries.
She contacted the office of human resources to inquire about benefits.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'office' comes from the Latin 'officium', meaning 'duty' or 'service'.
Originally, an office referred to a position of authority or a role, before it described an actual space.
In Medieval times, people often combined living and working spaces, which led to the development of separate office buildings.

Pop Culture

The popular American TV show 'The Office' portrays the daily lives of office workers in a comedic way, highlighting relationships and workplace dynamics.
Office-themed movies, such as '9 to 5', explore the challenges and humor found in office jobs.
Merchandise and memes related to office culture often reflect both the mundane and ridiculous aspects of workplace life.

Workplace Evolution

The concept of open-office layouts gained popularity in the late 20th century, encouraging collaboration and flexibility among employees.
In recent years, remote work has transformed the idea of an office, as many people now work from home or co-working spaces.
Technology has revolutionized how offices function, with digital communication tools reducing the need for physical presence.

Psychology

Research shows that office environment can significantly impact employee productivity and well-being.
Color schemes and office layouts are studied for their influence on mood and creativity in the workplace.
The social dynamics in an office can affect teamwork, stress levels, and overall job satisfaction.

Global Differences

Cultural variations influence office etiquette, such as differing approaches to hierarchy, communication styles, and dress codes.
In Japan, the practice of 'nenko joretsu' emphasizes seniority within offices, affecting decision-making and workplace structure.
Some countries favor flexible work hours and casual atmospheres, while others maintain strict formalities in office settings.

Translations

Translations of the word "office" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escritório

🇮🇳 कार्यालय

🇩🇪 Büro

🇮🇩 kantor

🇺🇦 офіс

🇵🇱 biuro

🇯🇵 オフィス

🇫🇷 bureau

🇪🇸 oficina

🇹🇷 ofis

🇰🇷 사무실

🇸🇦 مكتب

🇨🇿 kancelář

🇸🇰 kancelária

🇨🇳 办公室

🇸🇮 pisarna

🇮🇸 skrifstofa

🇰🇿 кеңсе

🇬🇪 ოფისი

🇦🇿 ofis

🇲🇽 oficina

Word Frequency Rank

With position #351, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

...
348 near
349 experience
350 health
351 office
352 tax
353 past
354 third
...