Reading Theme:
Ministry Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide
Meaning 1：government department (ministry)
ministry
/ˈmɪnɪstri/
n.
A major department of a government that is in charge of a specific area of national activity.
government department
➕
/ˈɡʌvərnmənt dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
n.
A ministry is a major department of a government, headed by a minister, responsible for a specific area of national policy such as education, health, or defense.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ministerium' (service, office), via Old French 'ministerie'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'minister' trying to manage a government 'ministry'.
📖 Example
The Ministry of Education has announced new policies to support rural schools.
The Ministry of Education has announced new policies to support rural schools.
🔗 Collocations
Ministry of Finance – Government department managing economic and fiscal policies
Ministry of Defense – Government department overseeing military and national security
Foreign Ministry – Government department handling diplomatic relations
🔄 Synonyms
department (n.) – A division of a government or organization with a specific function
bureau (n.) – A government office or agency responsible for specific administrative tasks
administration (n.) – The executive branch of a government or the officials who manage a department
🚫 Antonyms
private sector (n.) – Businesses not owned or controlled by the government
voluntary organization (n.) – Non-government group working for social causes without state control
🌱 Derivatives
ministerial (adj.) – Relating to a government minister or ministry
minister (n.) – A person in charge of a government department
ministration (n.) – The act of providing service or aid, often in a religious sense
📖 Cultural Story
Originally a religious office, 'ministry' entered political use in the 16th century. Ministers were 'servants' (from Latin 'minus', less) of the state.
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