Secretary: meaning, definitions and examples

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secretary

[ˈsɛkrəˌtɛri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

office work

A secretary is a person who is employed in an office to assist with correspondence, keep records, make appointments, and carry out similar tasks.

Synonyms

assistant, clerk, receptionist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
secretary	Usually used for someone who handles organizational and administrative tasks, often working for a high-level executive or a company. The secretary scheduled all the meetings for the CEO. The secretary organized the documents needed for the presentation.
assistant	A general term for someone who helps another person with daily tasks, which can vary widely depending on the job and industry. The research assistant gathered all the necessary data for the study. As an assistant, she manages her boss's calendar and travel plans.
clerk	Typically refers to someone working in an office or shop setting who handles routine administrative tasks such as filing, record keeping, or customer service. The accounting clerk recorded all the financial transactions for the week. The store clerk helped me find the right size for the shoes.
receptionist	Specific to someone who works at the front desk of an office or building, managing incoming calls, visitors, and general inquiries. The receptionist greeted everyone with a smile and directed them to the appropriate office. As a receptionist, she handles all incoming phone calls and manages the visitor log.

Examples of usage

The secretary scheduled all the meetings for the CEO.
She works as a secretary in a law firm.
Being a secretary requires good organizational skills.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

government

A secretary is the head of a government department.

Synonyms

chief, director, minister.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
secretary	Appropriate for someone who handles administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, answering phone calls, and managing paperwork in an office setting. The secretary scheduled the meeting for Monday Please ask the secretary for a copy of the report
minister	Refers to a government or religious official. In politics, it typically denotes a high-ranking official in charge of a particular government department. The prime minister addressed the nation The health minister announced new regulations
director	Used for a person who oversees a particular area, department, or the entire organization. Commonly found in corporate, nonprofit, and artistic settings. The director of marketing presented the new campaign She became the new director of the film
chief	Typically refers to a leader or head of a group, organization, or tribe. It denotes a higher rank and is often used in formal or hierarchical contexts. The fire chief coordinated the rescue efforts Chief executives are meeting to discuss the merger

Examples of usage

The Secretary of State is an important official in the US government.
The Secretary of Defense oversees the military department.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'secretarius', meaning 'person entrusted with secrets'.
Historically, secretaries were often responsible for recording sensitive information and decisions, which highlights their trusted role.
In the 1300s, the role was mainly for scribes and record-keepers in official settings.

Historical Significance

During WWII, secretaries played a crucial role in managing communications and logistics, aiding war efforts.
In the 20th century, the term evolved to encompass a variety of roles, emphasizing administrative support across different industries.
The first female secretaries emerged in the 19th century as typing pools became common, changing workplace dynamics.

Cultural Influence

Popular media often portrays secretaries as multi-talented individuals, capable of managing fast-paced environments, as seen in movies like '9 to 5'.
In literature, secretaries frequently symbolize hidden power, as they often have access to critical information.
The image of a secretary has shifted over time, reflecting changes in gender roles and workplace expectations.

Modern Role

In today’s workplaces, the role has expanded with technology, including responsibilities like managing emails and social media.
Administrative professionals often receive certifications, indicating expertise in areas like office management and communication.
The title can vary (e.g., executive assistant, administrative coordinator) but the core function of support remains.

Translations

Translations of the word "secretary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 secretário

🇮🇳 सचिव

🇩🇪 Sekretär

🇮🇩 sekretaris

🇺🇦 секретар

🇵🇱 sekretarz

🇯🇵 秘書 (ひしょ)

🇫🇷 secrétaire

🇪🇸 secretario

🇹🇷 sekreter

🇰🇷 비서

🇸🇦 سكرتير

🇨🇿 tajemník

🇸🇰 tajomník

🇨🇳 秘书 (mìshū)

🇸🇮 tajnik

🇮🇸 ritari

🇰🇿 хатшы

🇬🇪 მდივანი

🇦🇿 katib

🇲🇽 secretario

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,007, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2004 birds
2005 significantly
2006 specifically
2007 secretary
2008 target
2009 membership
2010 campaign
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