Meaning & Definition of word "Undersecretary"
Undersecretary
/ˌʌndərˈsɛkrəˌtɛri/
noun:
- 1. A government official who is subordinate to a secretary and typically handles specific administrative responsibilities or areas of policy.
- Example: The undersecretary of education announced new guidelines for school funding.
- 2. An official in a government department who assists the secretary and may stand in for them when necessary.
- Example: During the meeting, the undersecretary represented the secretary who was unable to attend.
- 3. A title used in various organizations to denote a position of authority below that of a secretary.
- Example: The undersecretary for international affairs played a key role in the negotiations.
Etymology
●From the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' and 'secretary', originating from Latin 'secretarius' meaning 'one entrusted with secrets'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
undersecretary of state:
An undersecretary in the department of state, often involved in foreign affairs.
acting undersecretary:
A person temporarily filling the role of undersecretary.
senior undersecretary:
A more experienced or higher-ranking undersecretary within a department.
Related Words
secretary:
An official in charge of a department or a person who handles correspondence.
administration:
The management of public affairs.
Slang Meanings of undersecretary
Meaning: Underboss
● Example Sentence: In some political circles, the undersecretary is viewed as the underboss, key to executing directives.
Meaning: Bureaucrat
● Example Sentence: Some refer to an undersecretary simply as a bureaucrat, emphasizing their administrative role.