Definition

1. Noun:
   • An official or employee who performs specific duties within an organization or government: A functionary is a person who holds a position of authority or responsibility, typically within a bureaucratic or administrative system, and whose role is to carry out defined tasks or functions.

Usage

• The term "functionary" often describes a person whose work is seen as routine, procedural, or administrative within a larger system. It can carry a neutral, formal, or sometimes slightly impersonal connotation, focusing on the office or role rather than the individual.
• It is commonly used in contexts discussing government, large institutions, or political systems.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The customs functionary inspected the documents thoroughly.
  • Low-level party functionaries were responsible for distributing the propaganda materials.
  • She worked as a functionary in the municipal archives for thirty years.

Advanced Usage

• "Party functionary": A specific term for an official within a political party's administrative structure.
  • The decision was made by a senior party functionary.
• "State functionary": An official employed by the government.
  • The law applies to all state functionaries.

Variants and Related Words

• Functional (adj): Related to a practical purpose or function; designed to be useful.
  • The building's design is more functional than decorative.
• Function (n/v): The purpose or role of something; to work or operate.
  • The main function of this device is to filter water.

Synonyms

• Official: A person holding public office or having official duties.
• Bureaucrat: An official in a government department, particularly one perceived as being concerned with procedural correctness.
• Administrator: A person responsible for running a business, organization, etc.
• Officer: A person holding a position of authority, especially in a government, military, or organization.

Antonyms

• Private citizen: An individual not holding public office or an official position.
• Principal: A person with primary authority or for whom an agent acts (contrasts with the executing role of a functionary).

Related Phrases

• Public functionary: A formal term for a government official or civil servant.
  • As a public functionary, he was bound by a strict code of conduct.

Noun

1. a worker who holds or is invested with an office