WordGarden.ioministerial
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˌɪnɪstˈiərɪəl/
US
- /ˌmɪnɪˈstiriəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to government ministers or cabinet-level office
relating to clergy, ministry, or religious service
in law, involving a duty carried out without personal discretion
Beyond the definition
"Ministerial" describes things connected with the work of government ministers, the senior officials who lead departments such as education, health, or finance. A ministerial meeting, statement, or decision is tied to that role and to the official business of government. The word also has an important legal and administrative sense: a ministerial duty or act is one a person must carry out by rule, with little or no room for personal choice. You will often see the word in political reporting, government writing, and legal discussion.
The word "ministerial" stems from the Latin minister, originally meaning a servant or attendant, which eventually evolved to describe high-ranking officials in government or religion. Today, its primary use concerns the functions and responsibilities of government ministers who lead departments like education, health, or finance.
It goes beyond simply being "about" ministers; it describes actions inherent to their office. For instance, a ministerial statement is a formal announcement made in parliament, while ministerial discretion refers to the decision-making power a minister wields within the law. In a more technical legal or administrative sense, "ministerial" can also describe a "ministerial act"—a duty performed by an official according to a strict mandate that requires little to no personal judgment, essentially a mandatory administrative task.
Furthermore, the word retains its traditional link to religious service. A ministerial vocation refers to a calling to serve in a church, and ministerial training is the preparation undertaken by aspiring clergy. Whether used in the context of high-level politics, mandatory administrative duties, or a life of faith, "ministerial" signifies something deeply connected to the duties and authority of those who serve in leadership or representative roles.
Examples
- 1
Government approval
The project cannot go ahead without ministerial approval.
- 2
Cabinet reshuffle
The prime minister announced a ministerial reshuffle after months of criticism.
- Phraseministerial reshuffle
changes in who serves as government ministers
- 3
Trade meeting
Trade issues will be discussed at a ministerial meeting next week.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- parliamentary
- civil-service
Used with (collocations)
- ministerial meeting
- ministerial responsibility
- ministerial portfolio
- ministerial duties
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ministerialadjective