Ministry
ˈmɪnɪstri
Definitions
2 meaningsA government department or office headed by a minister, responsible for a specific area or policy.
ˈmɪnɪstri
A department of government headed by a minister.
The Ministry of Finance is responsible for the country's economic policy.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of important people working together on a specific topic, like schools or hospitals. This group is the 'ministry', and they make the rules and plans for that topic. For example, the 'Ministry of Health' is like the team in charge of everything about staying healthy.
👶 For kids: A ministry is like a team of grown-ups in charge of something important, like taking care of schools or helping people who are sick.
More Examples
She worked for the Ministry of Culture for several years.
The new law was passed by the Ministry of Justice.
How It's Used
"The Ministry of Education announced new policies."
"Foreign ministries often handle diplomatic relations."
The duties, functions, or work performed by a minister of religion or in a governmental or organizational capacity.
ˈmɪnɪstri
The function or duties of a minister.
She felt called to the ministry.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who helps people and does important work. Their 'ministry' is all the things they do to help others, whether it's in a church, a government job, or another organization. It's like their way of serving others.
👶 For kids: When someone does kind and important work for other people, like helping them or teaching them, that's called their ministry.
More Examples
His ministry focused on providing aid to refugees.
The priest devoted his life to the ministry of his church.
How It's Used
"He dedicated his life to ministry."
"Her ministry involves helping the homeless."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Ministry of Truth (or Lies)
A department (often satirical) that manipulates information and spreads propaganda to control public opinion.
"The term 'Ministry of Truth' is often used to criticize governments that control information."
the cloth (as it relates to ministry)
Referring to the profession of being a member of the clergy
"She was called to the cloth at a young age"
From Late Latin *ministerium* ('service, office'), derived from *minister* ('servant, attendant').
The term originates from the Latin 'ministerium', which historically referred to service or office, reflecting the sense of duty and service associated with both government and religious roles.
Memory tip
Think of a 'minister' leading a whole 'ministry', managing a specific sector like education or health.
Word Origin
"service, office, or attendance"