Definition

Noun: 1. The temporary transfer of an employee to a different position, department, or organization: A period during which a person is assigned to work for another part of their own organization or for a different organization entirely, after which they typically return to their original role. 2. (Formal) The action of formally supporting or endorsing a proposal or motion: The act of seconding.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Temporary Transfer):
  • She gained valuable experience during her secondment to the company's Berlin office.
  • The researcher is on a two-year secondment from the university to a government agency.
• Noun (Formal Support):
  • (Less common in everyday use) The secondment of the motion was followed by a vote.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on secondment": To be currently in the state of being temporarily transferred.
  • Dr. Jones is on secondment to the World Health Organization until December.

Variants and Related Words

• Second (verb): To formally express support for a proposal or motion, making it open for discussion or vote.
  • "I second that proposal," said the committee member.
• Detachment (noun): A group or individual sent away for a special duty; can be similar to "secondment" in a military or official context.

Synonyms

• Temporary Transfer Meaning: Assignment, posting, detachment, loan, transfer.
• Formal Support Meaning: Endorsement, backing, support, approval.

Related Phrases

• "To go on secondment": To begin a period of temporary transfer.
  • He will go on secondment to the marketing department next quarter.

Noun

1. the detachment of a person from their regular organization for temporary assignment elsewhere
2. a speech seconding a motion
   • do I hear a second?