administer
Administer (verb) means to manage, oversee, or run something, such as an organization, program, or set of rules. Example: “She administers the company's health insurance program.”
How to use administer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo manage or oversee something, or to give someone medicine or treatment.
Word forms
administered past tense, administers singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the company's health insurance program.
Etymology
From Latin administrare, "to manage, to serve," from ad- ("to") plus ministrare ("to attend, to serve") — the same root as "minister."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for administer
See all rhymes for administer →Frequently asked questions
What does “administer” mean?
The word “administer” means to manage, oversee, or run something, such as an organization, program, or set of rules. In plain terms, to manage or oversee something, or to give someone medicine or treatment.
How do you pronounce “administer”?
“Administer” is pronounced uhd-MIHN-ih-stuh (/ədˈmɪn.ɪ.stɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “administer” in a sentence?
Here is “administer” used in a sentence: “She administers the company's health insurance program.”
What part of speech is “administer”?
“Administer” is a verb.
Where does the word “administer” come from?
The word “administer” comes from Latin. From Latin administrare, "to manage, to serve," from ad- ("to") plus ministrare ("to attend, to serve") — the same root as "minister.".
Is “administer” a common word?
“Administer” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “administer” have?
“Administer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to manage, oversee, or run something, such as an organization, program, or set of rules.
What is the difference between "administer" and "manage"?
Both describe overseeing something, but "administer" often carries a more formal, official tone, especially for organizations, programs, or sets of rules, while "manage" is more general and can apply to everyday oversight of tasks or people.
What is the difference between "administer" and "administrate"?
The two words mean essentially the same thing, but "administer" is far more common in everyday and professional English, while "administrate" is a rarer, more formal-sounding variant.
Can "administer" be used for giving medicine as well as running an organization?
Yes, "administer" has two distinct senses: one meaning to manage, oversee, or run something such as an organization or program, and another meaning to give someone a drug, treatment, or dose.
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