Secretariat: meaning, definitions and examples

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secretariat

 

[ˌsɛkrɪˈtɛrɪət ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "secretariat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 secretariado

🇮🇳 सचिवालय

🇩🇪 Sekretariat

🇮🇩 sekretariat

🇺🇦 секретаріат

🇵🇱 sekretariat

🇯🇵 事務局

🇫🇷 secrétariat

🇪🇸 secretaría

🇹🇷 sekreterlik

🇰🇷 사무국

🇸🇦 أمانة

🇨🇿 sekretariát

🇸🇰 sekretariát

🇨🇳 秘书处

🇸🇮 sekretariat

🇮🇸 skrifstofa

🇰🇿 хатшылық

🇬🇪 საიდუმლო

🇦🇿 katiblik

🇲🇽 secretaría

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,441, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.