Secretary Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈsɛkrətɛrɪ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A secretary is a professional who supports an organization, business, or individual by handling administrative tasks, managing schedules, and providing communication and information services.

Examples

1. “She worked as a secretary for 10 years before becoming a manager.”

2. “The company hired a new secretary to assist the CEO with correspondence and scheduling.”

Synonyms

1. Administrative assistant

2. Office manager

Antonyms

1. Executive

2. High-level manager

Additional Information

Secretaries often perform a wide range of tasks, including scheduling appointments, answering phones, maintaining filing systems, preparing reports, and coordinating travel arrangements. They may also be responsible for managing budgets, ordering supplies, and interfacing with clients or customers. The role of a secretary can vary depending on the specific organization or industry, and may involve working independently or as part of a team. Secretaries can be found in a variety of settings, including corporate offices, government agencies, schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. In some cases, the term “secretary” may be used interchangeably with other titles, such as administrative assistant or office administrator, although these roles may have slightly different responsibilities and requirements.

When interviewing for a secretary position, it’s essential to highlight your organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a team. A secretary may also need to demonstrate proficiency in software applications, such as Microsoft Office or Google Suite, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. In some cases, a secretary may be required to have specialized knowledge or training in areas such as data entry,-bookkeeping, or graphic design.

Secretaries play a critical role in supporting the success of an organization by providing administrative support and ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and have strong organizational skills, a career as a secretary may be a great fit for you.

While the role of a secretary has evolved over time, with many professionals using modern technology to streamline administrative tasks, the core skills and responsibilities of a secretary remain the same. Whether you’re working in a bustling city or a small town, as a secretary, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact and contribute to the success of your organization.

Etymology

The word “secretary” comes from the Latin word “secretarius,” meaning “assistant” or “servant.” Over time, the term evolved to refer to a professional who managed the affairs of a noble or royal household. In the 16th century, the term “secretary” was adopted in English to describe a person who performed administrative tasks for a company or organization.

Usage Notes

The term “secretary” is often used as an occupational title, referring to a person who performs administrative tasks for an organization. However, it can also be used as a generic term to refer to anyone who performs secretarial duties, regardless of their title or position.

When using the term “secretary,” it’s essential to consider the context in which it’s being used. For example, in a formal business setting, the term may be used to refer to a high-ranking executive who oversees administrative operations. In a more casual context, the term may be used to refer to anyone who performs administrative tasks, regardless of their level of responsibility.

Cultural References

The term “secretary” has appeared in popular culture in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and literature. In the film “The Devil Wears Prada,” for example, the main character Andrea Sachs is a young secretary who works for a demanding fashion magazine editor. In the TV show “The Office,” one of the main characters, Pam Beesly, is a secretary who eventually becomes a receptionist.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are several idiomatic expressions and phrases that include the word “secretary,” such as “the secretary of state,” “the secretary-general of the United Nations,” and “to take dictation from a secretary.”

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related to “secretary” include:

• Administrative assistant
• Office manager
• Receptionist
• Personal assistant

Collocations

Common word combinations with the term “secretary” include:

• The secretary’s desk
• The secretary’s office
• The secretary’s job
• The secretary’s duties

Frequency of Use

The term “secretary” is commonly used in modern language, particularly in business and administrative settings. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people work as secretaries in the United States alone.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word “secretary” include:

• Secretarie
• Secritary
• Secretry