department
|de-part-ment|
B1
🇺🇸
/dɪˈpɑrtmənt/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈpɑːtmənt/
distinct part
Etymology
Etymology Information
'department' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'departement', where 'departir' meant 'to divide'.
Historical Evolution
'departement' transformed into the Middle English word 'departement', and eventually became the modern English word 'department'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a division or separation', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a distinct part of a larger organization'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a distinct part of a larger organization, such as a government, university, or business, dealing with a specific area of activity.
The sales department is responsible for customer relations.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35