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bureau

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈbjʊəroʊ/

KK: /ˈbjʊəroʊ/

noun
Definition

A place or organization that provides specific information or services, often related to travel, government, or news. It can also refer to a type of furniture with drawers for storing clothes or writing materials.


Example

I booked my vacation through a travel bureau that specializes in trips to Europe.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that new bureau in my room?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's really nice! Where did you get it?
Sloth A
I found it at a local store; it has so much storage space.
Sloth B
That's awesome! I need one like that for my clothes.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
agency
office
department
Antonyms
chaos
disorganization
anarchy
Root Explanation

Bureau → The word originates from Old French *bureau*, meaning a cloth covering for a desk or a writing table. It later came to refer to the office or agency associated with such a desk.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'desk' or 'table' ('bureau' in Old French) where work is done, which helps you remember that a bureau is an office or agency.

Visually Confused Words
biurea
urea
subbureau
beau
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