WordGarden.iosecretaryship
A2Pronunciation
UK
US
Meanings
Noun
the office, duties, or tenure of serving as a secretary in an organization or workplace
the office or term of office of a government secretary or similar public official
Beyond the definition
Imagine a bustling office: papers moving, meetings planned, and important decisions being made. At the heart of it all is often the secretaryship. This is not just about taking notes or answering phones; it is the full role and set of duties connected to being a secretary. It can include managing correspondence, organizing information, and giving essential support to a person, office, or organization.
Historically, "secretaryship" suggested a position of trust and confidentiality, often involving close work with someone important. While modern administrative roles have changed, secretaryship still carries the idea of an essential support function. Rather than simply saying "I applied for a job," someone might say "I applied for the secretaryship" when referring to a specific formal appointment or office.
The word secretaryship refers to the position, duties, and responsibilities associated with being a secretary. It is more than just a job title; it represents the entire function of providing administrative support. Think of it as the "office" or the "tenure" contained within the role itself.
Historically, secretaryship carried significant weight, often involving the management of private correspondence for royalty or high-ranking officials—a position demanding absolute discretion and organizational skill. While the modern understanding is broader, encompassing tasks like scheduling, travel arrangements, and data management, the term still implies a crucial, foundational support role.
The term isn't commonly used to describe a person who holds the position; you would say "She is a secretary." Instead, secretaryship focuses on the nature of the work or the period of time someone holds the role. You might hear it in phrases like "the demands of the secretaryship," referring to the challenges and responsibilities inherent in the position. It can also be used abstractly to describe the entire administrative function within an organization: "Effective secretaryship is vital for smooth operations."
Interestingly, secretaryship is not limited to business or government. You might find it applied to clubs or societies—for example, "the secretaryship of the historical society." In these contexts, it emphasizes the organizational and record-keeping aspects of maintaining the group's activities. Understanding the word helps you grasp the full scope of responsibility and function inherent in this vital support role—the very essence of what it means to hold the office of a secretary.
Examples
- 1
Arts club
She accepted the secretaryship of the local arts club after years of helping behind the scenes.
- 2
Time in role
During his secretaryship, the committee became much better organized.
- Patternduring + possessive secretaryship
while someone is serving as secretary
- 3
Party office
Two senior officials were competing for the party secretaryship.
See also
Similar
- secretarial position
- secretary post
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- hold a secretaryship
- appoint someone to a secretaryship
- resign a secretaryship
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- secretaryshipnoun