Word
sec
/ˈsɛk/
Definitions
01a short time
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a very short period of time; a quick way to say 'second'.
n. a clipping of 'second' used to denote a brief, often indeterminate, interval of time.
“Wait just a sec while I grab my coat from the hallway.”
“The system took a sec to process the request, but the confirmation appeared on the screen shortly thereafter.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'hang on a sec' or 'just a sec'.
02government official
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Politics Informal
n. a short way to write or say 'secretary', often used for high-level government leaders.
n. a clipping of 'secretary', typically referring to a cabinet-level official or the head of a department.
“The Home Sec is expected to make an announcement later today.”
“The former Foreign Sec addressed the committee regarding the diplomatic implications of the new trade agreement.”
Teaching tip
This is particularly common in British news headlines to save space.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sec