functionary
/'fʌɳkʃnəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a worker who holds or is invested with an office