Secretary
ˈsɛkrəˌtɛri
Definitions
2 meaningsA person, typically in an office, who is responsible for handling correspondence, keeping records, and performing general administrative tasks.
ˈsɛkrəˌtɛri
A person employed to handle correspondence and administrative tasks for an organization or individual.
The company hired a new secretary to assist the marketing department.
💡 Simply: A secretary is like a super-organized assistant at work. They help keep everything running smoothly by answering phones, scheduling meetings, and taking care of important papers. They are like the glue that holds everything together!
👶 For kids: A secretary is someone who helps an important person with their work. They answer phones, type letters, and keep things organized!
More Examples
Her primary responsibility as a secretary is to manage the office calendar and correspondence.
The secretary was very efficient and always kept the files in order.
How It's Used
"The secretary manages the CEO's schedule and handles important documents."
"The Secretary of State is a high-ranking government official."
A person appointed to manage the affairs of a society, club, or government department.
ˈsɛkrəˌtɛri
A person in charge of a particular department in an organization.
The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for the nation's finances.
💡 Simply: Imagine a school club! The secretary isn't just an assistant, they are the head of record-keeping and making sure everything runs legally.
👶 For kids: In charge of something important.
More Examples
The secretary of the board read the minutes of the previous meeting.
The organization elected a new secretary to lead the membership drive.
How It's Used
"The Secretary of Defense oversees the armed forces."
"The secretary of the club keeps the minutes of each meeting."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Late Latin *secretarius* ('one entrusted with secrets'), derived from *secretum* ('secret'). Historically, a secretary was someone entrusted with confidential information or correspondence.
Historically, the term referred to individuals, often highly educated, who were entrusted with writing and correspondence on behalf of a person of importance or authority.
Memory tip
Think of a person who keeps the 'secrets' of an office organized.
Word Origin
"secret"