Definition

1. Noun:
   • Employment within a government system: The body of government employees, especially those working in the civil service, who are responsible for implementing government policy and administering public programs.
   • A service performed for the public benefit: An essential service provided to the general population, often by the government or a regulated private entity, for the welfare of the community or its institutions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Government Employment):

  • She dedicated her career to public service as a city planner.
  • A commission oversees ethics in the public service.

• Noun (Beneficial Service):

  • Reliable public transportation is a vital public service.
  • The law firm does a significant amount of pro bono work as a public service.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in public service": To be employed by the government or a public agency.

  • After graduating, he chose to be in public service rather than work for a corporation.

• "Public service announcement (PSA)": A message disseminated by the media without charge, with the objective of raising awareness and changing public attitudes toward a social issue.

  • The television station aired a public service announcement about fire safety.

Variants and Related Words

• Public servant (n): An individual who works for the government or a public agency.

  • The mayor described herself as a humble public servant.

• Civil service (n): The permanent professional branches of a government's administration, excluding military and judicial branches.

  • He entered the civil service through a competitive examination.

Synonyms

• Government work: Employment within the state sector.
• Civil service: The professional body of government employees.
• Utility service: A service like water or electricity provided for public use.
• Community service: Voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area.

Related Phrases

• Public service broadcasting: A system of television and radio broadcasting financed and controlled by the public, for the public, not for commercial interests.

  • The channel is known for its commitment to public service broadcasting.

• Public service obligation: A requirement imposed by a government on an organization to provide a service deemed essential for the public.

  • The airline operates the unprofitable route under a public service obligation.

Related Idioms

• A call to public service: A strong motivation or invitation to work for the government or the common good.
  • The president's speech was a call to public service for the nation's youth.

Noun

1. employment within a government system (especially in the civil service)
2. a service that is performed for the benefit of the public or its institutions