Office
'ɒfɪs
Definitions
4 meaningsA building or a specific room where work is conducted, especially administrative, professional, or business-related.
'ɒfɪs
A building or room where business, clerical, or professional duties are performed.
She works in a small office downtown.
💡 Simply: Imagine a place where grown-ups go to work, like a room or a whole building where they have desks, computers, and maybe even coffee machines! It's like their work-home. For example, the post office is where people mail letters and packages.
👶 For kids: A special place where grown-ups go to work.
More Examples
The office is closed on weekends.
We need to buy new supplies for the office.
How It's Used
"He went to the office to finish the reports."
"The mayor's office is located downtown."
A position of authority, trust, or service, often involving specific duties and responsibilities.
'ɒfɪs
A position of authority or service.
He was elected to public office.
💡 Simply: It's like having a special job, kind of like being the captain of a team! It gives you the power and responsibility to do important things. For example, a doctor has the office of healing the sick.
👶 For kids: A special job or position where you get to do important things.
More Examples
The office of the president carries great responsibility.
She held office for four years.
How It's Used
"She ran for political office."
"The priest held office for many years."
A specific department or administrative function within a larger organization.
'ɒfɪs
A department within a business or organization.
The customer service office is open until 5 PM.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of people in a company who have a specific job, like helping employees or handling money. It's like a special team inside a bigger team! For example, the customer service office helps people with their questions about products.
👶 For kids: A special group of people who work together in a company.
More Examples
Please submit your application to the admissions office.
The marketing office is planning a new campaign.
How It's Used
"The human resources office is located on the second floor."
"Please visit the admissions office to complete your application."
To provide with an office or position of authority. Rare in common usage.
'ɒfɪs
To provide with an office or position.
He was officed with the responsibility of managing the project.
💡 Simply: To give someone a special job or position of power.
👶 For kids: To give someone a special job.
How It's Used
"The new appointee was officed with a high degree of authority."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in office
Holding a position of authority or government.
"The president remained in office for eight years."
take office
To begin a term of office.
"The new CEO will take office next month."
office hours
The time during which an office or professional is open and available to the public.
"The doctor's office hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM."
From Middle English *office* (n.), from Old French *office* (“duty, service, function, office”), from Latin *officium* (“duty, service, office, business”), from *opificium* (“work, duty”), from *opus* (“work”) + *facere* (“to do”).
The word 'office' has been used since the 13th century, evolving from its original meaning of 'duty' or 'service' to encompass the physical location and position of authority.
Memory tip
Think of a place where people work at desks and answer phones.
Word Origin
"duty, service, business"