Officialdom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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officialdom

[ษ™หˆfษชสƒ(ษ™)ldษ™m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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 โ€˜kingdomโ€™ or โ€˜freedomโ€™.

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.