Definition

A person who assists a commanding officer, especially in military settings, by handling administrative tasks and correspondence.

Example

The adjutant prepared the necessary documents for the upcoming mission.

Conversation

I heard you got a new job as an adjutant for the army.

Yeah, it's pretty exciting! I help with a lot of the paperwork.

That sounds like a big responsibility being an adjutant.

It is, but I enjoy helping out and staying organized.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Adjutant is derived from the Latin "adjutare" (meaning to help) which is a frequentative form of "juvare" (meaning to aid or assist). The word combines "ad-" (meaning to) and "juvare" (meaning to help). An adjutant is therefore someone who helps or assists, particularly in a military context.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'helping' ('adjutare') in a supportive role — that's what an adjutant does.

Visually Confused Words