minister
|min-is-ter|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈmɪnɪstər/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɪnɪstə/
servant or official
Etymology
Etymology Information
'minister' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'minister,' where 'minus' meant 'less' and 'ter' was a suffix indicating an agent.
Historical Evolution
'minister' changed from the Old French word 'ministre' and eventually became the modern English word 'minister'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'servant' or 'attendant,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'clergyman' and 'government official'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of the clergy, especially in Protestant churches.
The minister delivered a moving sermon.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a head of a government department.
The foreign minister attended the international summit.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40