A2noun1K

Secretary

UK /["/ˈsekrətri/"]/US /["/ˈsekrəteri/"]/

Definition

a person who works in an office, working for another person, dealing with mail and phone calls, keeping records, arranging meetings with people, etc.

In simple words: A person who helps someone by doing administrative work, like answering phones and organizing files.

Examples

  • The secretary organized all the files for the meeting.
  • She works as a secretary at a law firm.
  • The secretary relayed the important messages to the team.
  • As secretary of the club, he was in charge of member registrations.
  • In some organizations, the secretary may also take on administrative duties.

Usage notes

The term is widely used in both business and personal contexts. It's more formal in a professional environment, while it can feel outdated when referring to women in office roles. Be mindful of context when using this term.

Grammar pattern

noun + of + person (e.g. secretary of a company)

Memory hint

Think of a 'secre-tary' who keeps secrets safe in a tidy office!

Collocations

  • executive
  • legal
  • medical
  • chief
  • first
  • assistant
  • resign as
  • elect
  • elect somebody
  • General
  • secretary to
  • the post of secretary
  • deputy
  • assistant
  • acting
  • resign as
  • replace (somebody as)
  • secretary for
  • secretary of
  • Secretary of State
  • permanent
  • former
  • cabinet
  • secretary to
  • Secretary of State

Synonyms

  • administrative assistant
  • executive assistant
  • office manager
  • clerk

Antonyms

  • chief
  • manager
  • director

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'admin' which is more informal.
  • Using 'secretary' to refer to administrative roles that are gender-neutral.
  • Assuming all secretaries have the same duties, which can vary greatly.