ministry
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a large department of a government that deals with a specific area, like health or education.
a high-level government department or administrative division, typically headed by a minister.
Simple“The Ministry of Education announced new rules for primary schools today.”
In context“The Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing the proposed tax reforms to ensure they align with the national budget targets.”
UsageOften capitalized when referring to a specific entity, such as the Ministry of Defence.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
all the ministers of a government acting together as a group.
the collective body of government ministers under the leadership of a head of government.
Simple“The prime minister met with his entire ministry to discuss the crisis.”
In context“During the final months of the previous ministry, several key legislative initiatives were abandoned due to internal disagreements.”
Teacher's tipIn this sense, it refers to the people and the period of their administration rather than a building or department.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the work or career of a religious leader, such as a priest or pastor.
the office, duties, or functions of a minister of religion; the collective body of clergy in certain denominations.
Simple“After finishing his studies, he decided to enter the ministry.”
In context“She dedicated her life to the ministry, focusing her efforts on providing spiritual guidance to marginalized communities in the city.”
Synonyms
Usage ministry spokesman
“Ukraine downed more than 40,000 Russian drones in July, almost one and a half times as many as it downed in May, Ukraine’s defence ministry said.”
“Iranian media initially reported the origin of the pollution was under investigation and Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday its source was a "foreign bulk ship".”
From Middle English mynisterie, borrowed from Old French menistere, in turn borrowed itself from Latin ministerium; equivalent to minister + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.