clerical
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
relating to office work, such as keeping records, typing, or filing papers.
relating to the routine work of a clerk or office assistant, typically involving record-keeping and administration.
Simple“The company is looking for someone to help with basic clerical tasks like filing.”
In context“A minor clerical error in the shipping department resulted in the entire consignment being sent to the wrong continent.”
UsageCommonly used in the fixed phrase 'clerical error'.
PitfallShe made a clerk error in the report. She made a clerical error in the report.Use the adjective 'clerical' to describe the type of mistake, not the noun 'clerk'.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
relating to the clergy, such as priests, ministers, or the church.
relating to the clergy or the Christian church; specifically concerning the status or duties of ordained ministers.
Simple“He wore a clerical collar to show he was a priest.”
In context“The bishop's clerical duties often required him to travel between remote parishes to perform confirmations.”
UsageOften appears in the phrase 'clerical collar' or 'clerical dress'.
Synonyms
“Hundreds of former members of the military have had their pensions slashed after receiving letters telling them to repay thousands of pounds because of a clerical error.”
From Late Latin clēricālis (“clerical”), from clēricus (“clergyman, priest”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.