Undersecretary - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An undersecretary is a high-ranking government official who assists a secretary or minister in managing departmental affairs, often overseeing specific policy areas or administrative functions within a ministry.
Definition:
A high-ranking official assisting a secretary, often in government departments.
Synonyms:
deputy, assistant secretary, subordinate official, aide
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
secretary, superior, boss
Common Collocations:
undersecretary of state, appointed undersecretary, senior undersecretary
Derivatives:
undersecretaries, undersecretarial
Usage Tips:
Use "undersecretary" for government roles below a secretary; avoid for informal assistants.
Common Phrases:
acting undersecretary, permanent undersecretary, deputy undersecretary
Etymology:
Derived from "under-" (subordinate) + "secretary," originating from Latin "secretarius" (confidential officer).
Examples:
- 1. The undersecretary presented the report to the committee.
- 2. She was promoted to undersecretary after years of service.
- 3. The undersecretary oversees daily operations in the department.
- 4. He met with the foreign undersecretary to discuss trade policies.