Definition

1. Noun:
   • A position of authority or service within the government or a public institution: "public office" refers to an official role or job that involves duties and responsibilities related to governing, administering, or serving the general population. The holder of such a position is entrusted to act for the public good.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • He was elected to public office for the first time last year. (This describes someone winning an election for a government position.)
  • Holding public office requires a high degree of integrity and transparency. (This states the ethical requirements for a government role.)
  • After decades in public office, she decided to retire from politics. (This refers to a long career in government service.)

Advanced Usage

• "To seek public office": to campaign or run for an elected government position.
  • Several candidates have announced they will seek public office in the upcoming election.
• "To hold public office": to currently occupy or serve in a government position.
  • The law applies to all individuals who hold public office.
• "To be removed from public office": to be formally dismissed or impeached from a government position.
  • The official was removed from public office following the corruption scandal.

Variants and Related Words

• Public servant (n): a person who works for the government, often used synonymously with someone holding public office.
• Officeholder (n): a person who holds a public office or position.
• Official (n): a person holding public office or having a position of authority.

Synonyms

• Government position: a role within the governing administration.
• Civil service post: a job within the non-elected branches of government (this is a more specific type of public office).

Related Phrases

• "Run for office": to be a candidate in an election for a public office.
  • She decided to run for office to improve local schools.
• "Assume office": to formally begin duties in a public office.
  • The new mayor will assume office next Monday.

Noun

1. a position concerning the people as a whole