ministerial
Ministerial (adj) means relating to a government minister or ministry. Example: “She was given ministerial responsibility for education.”
How to Use Ministerial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with a government minister's role, or with a member of the clergy.
Word Forms
more ministerial comparative, ministerials plural, most ministerial superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was given _____ responsibility for education.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French ministeriel, built on "minister" plus "-ial."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ministerial
See all rhymes for ministerial →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “ministerial” mean?
The word “ministerial” means relating to a government minister or ministry. In plain terms, having to do with a government minister's role, or with a member of the clergy.
How do you pronounce “ministerial”?
“Ministerial” is pronounced mih-nuh-STIH-ree-uhl (/ˌmɪnəˈstɪɹi.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ministerial” in a sentence?
Here is “ministerial” used in a sentence: “She was given ministerial responsibility for education.”
What part of speech is “ministerial”?
“Ministerial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ministerial” come from?
The word “ministerial” comes from Middle French. Borrowed from Middle French ministeriel, built on "minister" plus "-ial.".
Is “ministerial” a common word?
“Ministerial” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ministerial” have?
“Ministerial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to a government minister or ministry.
What is the difference between "ministerial" and "administrative"?
"Ministerial" specifically relates to a government minister or ministry, or to a religious minister or church, while "administrative" more broadly describes organizational or clerical functions not tied to a minister's role.
Can "ministerial" apply to both government and religious contexts?
Yes, "ministerial" has two applications: one relating to a government minister or ministry, and another relating to a religious minister or the ministry of a church. Context determines which sense is meant.
What would a "ministerial duty" refer to?
A ministerial duty generally refers to a responsibility that falls under a minister's role, whether governmental or religious, carried out within that minister's official authority.