Reading Theme:
Faculty: Definition, Usage & Key Differences Explained (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：university department (faculty)
faculty
/ˈfæk.əl.ti/
n.
A big department in a university that groups similar subjects together, like a Faculty of Engineering.
university department
➕
/ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.sə.ti dɪˈpɑːt.mənt/
n.
A major division within a university that organizes related academic disciplines.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'facultas' (ability), derived from 'facere' (to do).
💡 Mnemonic
Faculty members have the ability to facilitate learning at university.
📖 Example
She decided to join the Faculty of Arts to study literature and history.
She chose to enroll in the Arts Faculty to study literature and history.
🔗 Collocations
Faculty of Science – The department specializing in scientific subjects.
join a faculty – To become part of a university department.
faculty meeting – A gathering of department members.
🔄 Synonyms
department (n.) – A division of a larger organization, especially in education.
school (n.) – A college or university division focusing on a specific field.
college (n.) – A part of a university dealing with a particular subject area.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'facultas', meaning ability or power. Entered English in the 14th century, evolving to denote university divisions and staff. Commonly used in academic contexts.
Meaning 2：teaching staff (faculty)
faculty
/ˈfæk.əl.ti/
n.
All the teachers and professors who work at a university or college.
teaching staff
➕
/ˈtiː.tʃɪŋ stæf/
n.
The collective body of teachers and professors at an educational institution.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The entire faculty attended the meeting to discuss the new curriculum for next semester.
All the teaching staff attended the meeting to discuss the new curriculum.
🔗 Collocations
faculty lounge – A room reserved for teachers to relax.
faculty development – Programs to improve teaching skills.
senior faculty – Experienced members of the teaching staff.
🔄 Synonyms
staff (n.) – The group of people employed in an organization.
educators (n.) – People who teach or educate others.
professors (n.) – University teachers of high rank.
Meaning 3：natural ability (faculty)
faculty
/ˈfæk.əl.ti/
n.
A natural ability or power of your mind or body, like seeing, hearing, or thinking.
natural ability
➕
/ˈnætʃ.ər.əl əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
n.
An innate power or capability of the mind or body, such as reasoning or perception.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Even at the age of 90, her mental faculty remained remarkably sharp and clear.
Even at 90, her cognitive abilities remained sharp and clear.
🔗 Collocations
mental faculty – The power of the mind to think and reason.
faculty of speech – The natural ability to speak.
lose one's faculties – To decline in mental or physical abilities.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
disability (n.) – A physical or mental condition that limits abilities.
incapacity (n.) – Lack of ability or power.
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