minister
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a high-ranking politician who is in charge of a specific government department.
n.a senior politician who heads a government ministry or department, responsible for policy and administration.
Simple“The health minister announced a new plan to build more hospitals.”
In context“The finance minister faced intense questioning from the press regarding the proposed changes to the national tax code.”
UsageIn many parliamentary systems, the title is used for cabinet-level officials.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person trained to lead religious ceremonies and care for people in a church.
n.an ordained member of the clergy, particularly in Protestant denominations, authorised to perform offices and provide pastoral care.
Simple“The minister gave a moving speech during the Sunday morning service.”
In context“After twenty years of service, the minister retired from the parish to focus on writing his theological memoirs.”
UsageCommonly used in Protestant contexts; 'priest' is more common in Catholic or Orthodox contexts.
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.a high-level diplomat who works in a foreign country, just below an ambassador.
n.a diplomatic representative who ranks below an ambassador but possesses significant plenipotentiary powers.
Simple“The minister at the embassy handled the trade negotiations while the ambassador was away.”
In context“The newly appointed minister plenipotentiary arrived in the capital to present his credentials to the foreign office.”
Teacher's tipThis is a technical diplomatic rank; in everyday conversation, people usually just say 'diplomat'.
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to give help or care to someone who needs it.
v.to attend to the needs of others or provide essential aid and service.
Simple“The volunteers stayed late to minister to the needs of the flood victims.”
In context“She spent her final years in the village, choosing to minister to the sick and elderly who had no other support.”
UsageUsually used with the preposition 'to'.
Usage minister added · minister described · minister for legal
“Croatia’s prime minister described the blaze that spread to Omiš as ‘one of the worst fires in recent years’.”
“The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to requests for comment on whether Netanyahu’s statement represented the official position of the Israeli government.”
From Middle English ministre, from Old French ministre, from Latin minister (“an attendant, servant, assistant, a priest's assistant or other under official”), from minor (“less”) + -ter; see minor. Doublet of Minorite.
Inherited from Middle English mynystren, from Middle French ministrer, from Old French menistrer, ministrer and Latin ministrō, from minister.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.