secretary

[ˈsɛkrətɛri]

secretary Definition

• 1. a person employed by an individual or in an office to assist with correspondence, make appointments, and carry out administrative tasks
• 2. an official who heads a government department

Using secretary: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "secretary" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She works as a secretary for a law firm.

• Example

  The Secretary of State is responsible for foreign affairs.

• Example

  I need to schedule a meeting with the company secretary.

• Example

  The secretary took notes during the meeting.

secretary Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for secretary

• assistant
• clerk
• receptionist
• administrative assistant

Idioms Using secretary

• keep something under one's hat

  to keep something secret or confidential

  Example

  I promised to keep the news under my hat until the official announcement.

• wear many hats

  to have many different responsibilities or roles

  Example

  As a small business owner, I have to wear many hats, from accounting to marketing.

• have a bee in one's bonnet

  to be preoccupied or obsessed with an idea or topic

  Example

  My boss has a bee in her bonnet about improving customer service.

Phrases with secretary

• personal secretary

  a secretary who works exclusively for one person

  Example

  He hired a personal secretary to manage his schedule and correspondence.

• press secretary

  a person who represents and communicates on behalf of a government official or organization to the media

  Example

  The press secretary issued a statement on behalf of the President.

• company secretary

  a senior position in a company responsible for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

  Example

  The company secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with corporate governance rules.

Origins of secretary

from Latin 'secretarius', meaning 'confidential officer'

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Summary: secretary in Brief

A 'secretary' [ˈsɛkrətɛri] is a person who assists with correspondence, scheduling, and administrative tasks. It can refer to a personal secretary, a press secretary, or a company secretary. The term also extends into idioms like 'keep something under one's hat,' meaning to keep something confidential, and 'wear many hats,' referring to having multiple responsibilities.