ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ministry

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈmɪnəstɹi// UK //mˈɪnɪstɹi// min·istry Academic

n. a government department that is in charge of a specific area, like health or education. It is led by a high-ranking official called a minister.

n. a high-level government department responsible for a specific area of public administration. Often used in parliamentary systems to denote the administrative body led by a cabinet minister.


SIMPLE

The ministry announced new rules for public schools today.

CONTEXTUAL

After the election, the prime minister created a new ministry to focus specifically on environmental protection and climate change.

COMPLEX

Effective coordination between the ministry of finance and the central bank is essential for maintaining national economic stability during periods of high global inflation.

Origin

From Middle English mynisterie, borrowed from Old French menistere, in turn borrowed itself from Latin ministerium; equivalent to minister + -y.

Usage

Often capitalized when referring to a specific government body (e.g., the Ministry of Defence).

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