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Treasury Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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treasury

[หˆtrษ›ส’ษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

government finance

The treasury is the department of a government responsible for the management of its finances, including the collection of revenue, payment of bills, and management of public funds.

Synonyms

exchequer, finance ministry, fiscal department.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
treasury

The term 'treasury' is often used to describe a department or place where the governmentโ€™s money and valuables are kept. It can also refer to a countryโ€™s reserves or a financial department in a company that manages funds.

  • The national treasury reported an increase in reserves.
  • He works in the corporate treasury, managing investments.
finance ministry

Refers to a government department responsible for managing the economic policy, government finances, and budget. Itโ€™s a term used in many countries around the world.

  • The Finance Ministry unveiled a new economic stimulus plan.
  • She got a job at the Finance Ministry after graduation.
exchequer

This word is predominantly used in the UK to refer to the government department responsible for managing public revenue and expenditure. It's historical and can sound old-fashioned in modern contexts.

  • The Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce the new budget tomorrow.
  • Funds were allocated from the Exchequer to rebuild the bridge.
fiscal department

This term is used to describe a specific part of a government or organization that is concerned with financial matters and budgeting. It is less specific than 'treasury' or 'finance ministry'.

  • The fiscal department released their annual financial report.
  • A proposal was submitted to the fiscal department for approval.

Examples of usage

  • The treasury department is in charge of collecting taxes.
  • The treasury is responsible for paying government employees.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In ancient civilizations, treasuries were often located in temples, showcasing the connection between wealth and spirituality.
  • During the Roman Empire, a treasury was known as 'aerarium', which was the public treasury where state funds were managed.
  • The U.S. Department of the Treasury was established in 1789, making it one of the oldest executive agencies in the federal government.

Pop Culture

  • In fantasy stories and films, treasuries often contain hidden gold or magical relics, highlighting themes of adventure and exploration.
  • Popular video games often feature treasure hunts where players search for a hidden treasury to gain rewards.
  • Movies about pirates frequently depict treasure maps leading to vast treasures, which is a playful nod to the concept of a treasury.

Economics

  • A national treasury plays a crucial role in managing a countryโ€™s debt and currency, impacting the economy for everyone.
  • The treasury often oversees the collection of taxes, which is essential for funding public services like schools and roads.
  • Financial treasuries in companies are responsible for managing cash flow and investments, ensuring the business stays healthy.

Literature

  • Treasuries have been a symbol of wealth and power in literature, often associated with moral tales of greed and corruption.
  • In classic fairy tales, characters often embark on quests to find lost treasures, representing desires and aspirations.
  • Many poems use the metaphor of a treasury to describe the richness of knowledge or love, showing that treasures aren't just material.

Origin of 'treasury'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'treasury' comes from the Old French term 'tresor', which means treasure, reflecting its link to valuable items.
  • It can be traced back to the Latin word 'thesaurus', which not only means treasure but also means storehouse.
  • The term has been used in various forms since the 14th century in English, indicating the long-standing importance of managing wealth.

The word 'treasury' originated from the Old French word 'tresorie', which came from the Latin word 'thesaurus' meaning 'storehouse' or 'treasure'. The concept of a treasury as a government department managing finances dates back to ancient times, with roots in various civilizations such as the Roman Empire and medieval Europe.

See also: treasure, treasured, treasurer, treasures.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,494 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.