Officialdom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
officialdom
[ษหfษชส(ษ)ldษm ]
Definitions
in bureaucracy
The system or world of officials; official behavior or procedures.
Synonyms
administration, authority, bureaucracy.
Examples of usage
- Officialdom often results in slow decision-making processes.
- She was frustrated with the inefficiency of officialdom.
in government
The people in authority in a government department.
Synonyms
authorities, civil servants, government officials.
Examples of usage
- Officialdom refused to comment on the ongoing investigation.
- He had to navigate through the complexities of officialdom to get his proposal approved.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- In ancient Rome, the concept of officialdom was tied to the governance by magistrates and senators who exercised substantial power.
- Medieval Europe saw the evolution of bureaucratic structures, where official roles became more defined, leading to the use of officialdom in administering lands and resources.
- The development of officialdom paralleled the rise of nation-states, as leaders required organized groups to govern effectively.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict officialdom humorously, portraying bureaucrats as overly serious or out of touch, creating comedic scenarios.
- Literature frequently critiques officialdom, where characters face absurd rules or red tape, reflecting the frustrations of everyday life.
- Television series like 'Parks and Recreation' highlight the quirks and challenges of those working within officialdom, blending humor with political commentary.
Politics
- Officialdom plays a crucial role in modern democracies, ensuring that policies are implemented and regulations enforced.
- Political theorists often debate the balance of power within officialdom, discussing the tension between elected officials and bureaucratic agencies.
- In many countries, officialdom includes not only government employees but also appointed officials, impacting governance and policy outcomes.
Psychology
- The behavior of individuals in officialdom can be influenced by organizational culture, which shapes their decision-making and interactions.
- Research shows that citizens often feel alienated from officialdom, leading to a lack of trust in institutions and governance.
- Studies indicate that officialdom can invoke a sense of duty and responsibility, motivating individuals to serve the public good, despite the frustrations involved.
Origin of 'officialdom'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines the word 'official,' meaning someone who holds a position of authority, with the suffix 'dom,' which denotes a state or condition.
- It emerged in the English language during the 19th century, reflecting the growing complexity of government structures.
- The suffix 'dom' often appears in words related to a domain or realm, such as โkingdomโ or โfreedomโ.
The word 'officialdom' originated in the mid 19th century, formed from the word 'official' with the suffix '-dom', indicating a state or quality. It is used to describe the world of officials or those in authority, particularly within bureaucracies or government departments.
See also: official, officialization, officially, officials, unofficial, unofficially.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #25,714, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
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- 25711 throttling
- 25712 dimness
- 25713 cushioning
- 25714 officialdom
- 25715 impelling
- 25716 wrestler
- 25717 professorial
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