adj
Uncommon
ministerial
mih-nuh-STIH-ree-uhl
Ministerial (adj) means relating to a government minister or ministry. Example: “She was given ministerial responsibility for education.”
adj
1
Relating to a government minister or ministry.
"She was given ministerial responsibility for education."
"The ministerial meeting lasted all morning and ended without an announcement."
"A ministerial car waited outside the town hall."
2
Relating to a religious minister or the ministry of a church.
"He completed his ministerial training last spring."
"His ministerial duties include visiting the sick and leading Sunday services."
"She felt a ministerial calling and began studying at a theological college."
How to use ministerial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with a government minister's role, or with a member of the clergy.
Common pairings
ministerial post
ministerial duties
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Word forms
- Plural
- ministerials
- Comparative
- more ministerial
- Superlative
- most ministerial
Fill the gap
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She was given _____ responsibility for education.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French ministeriel, built on "minister" plus "-ial."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
