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secretariat

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌsɛkrəˈtɛrɪət/

KK: /sɪˈkrɛtərɪət/

noun
Definition

A department or office managed by a secretary, often in a government or international organization.


Example

The secretariat is responsible for coordinating the activities of the organization.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about how important the secretariat is in international organizations?
Sloth B
Absolutely! They play a crucial role in managing everything behind the scenes.
Sloth A
I read that the secretariat helps coordinate meetings and handle communications.
Sloth B
Exactly! Without it, everything would be so much more chaotic.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
administration
bureau
office
Antonyms
disorganization
chaos
anarchy
Root Explanation

Secretariat → It is formed from "secretarius" (meaning secretary or one who keeps secrets) and the suffix "-at" (indicating a place or office). The word "secretariat" refers to the office or department of a secretary, where secretarial duties are performed.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'secretary' who keeps important information safe — that's why a 'secretariat' is the office where such work is done.

Visually Confused Words
serpentaria
subsecretarial
sectarist
sectarian
sectarial
nonsecretarial
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