Secretariat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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secretariat
[ˌsɛkrɪˈtɛrɪət ]
Definition
government position
A secretariat is a governmental body or office that is responsible for the administration and organization of a specific department or agency. It is typically led by a secretary or a group of secretaries who manage different functions within the organization. Secretariats facilitate communication between government entities and ensure that policies are accurately implemented. They play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental operations.
Synonyms
administration, bureau, office.
Examples of usage
- The United Nations has a large secretariat.
- The secretary general oversees the secretariat's functions.
- Each department has its own secretariat.
- The secretariat is essential for administrative tasks.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- The term became widely recognized during the formation of international organizations, such as the United Nations, which established a secretariat to manage its operations.
- Many countries have a government body known as the secretariat, which oversees various administrative tasks and supports decision-making processes.
Pop Culture
- The movie 'Secretariat' tells the inspiring true story of the racehorse Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in 1973, not directly related but shares the majestic aura of the word.
- In the context of fandoms and communities, secretariats can refer to organizers who manage events and share information among members.
Literature
- Secretariats in literature are often depicted as powerful, almost mythical figures who control information flow and influence decision-making.
- Classic novels sometimes reference a secretariat to signify bureaucracy, highlighting the tension between order and chaos.
Science/Technology
- In science, a secretariat may manage research data privacy, ensuring that sensitive information is handled properly.
- With the rise of technology, some secretariats utilize advanced software to manage information and improve efficiency in keeping operations running smoothly.
Origin of 'secretariat'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'secretarius', meaning 'secret keeper', referring to a person who keeps important information.
- In the Middle Ages, 'secretarius' was used to describe someone who handled official documents, a role often filled by scribes.
The term 'secretariat' originates from the Latin word 'secretarius', which means 'secretary' or 'one entrusted with secrets'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a body of administrative officials in charge of a specific operation or function within an organization. In the context of governmental functions, secretariats have been prominent since the 19th century, especially as bureaucracies expanded and the need for organized administration grew. The professionalization of secretariats in international organizations, such as the United Nations established in 1945, highlighted their importance in ensuring smooth operations and coherent policy implementation. Today, secretariats are foundational structures in both governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide.