French word

ministère

Pronunciation

IPA/ministɛʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounministry

Example

Elle travaille au ministère.

She works at the ministry.

Illustration for ministère (ministry)

More examples

Les décisions du ministère affectent la vie quotidienne.

The ministry's decisions affect daily life.

Core concept

One branch of the state administration, with a minister at its head, assigned to a particular policy.

Common phrases

  • le ministère de l'Éducation nationale

    the Ministry of National Education

  • au ministère

    at the ministry

Similar words

ministre: A person holding a government position responsible for national policy.
gouvernement: The executive body formed by the prime minister and ministers to run the country.

Definition in French

Organisme ou service de l'État chargé d'une politique publique précise, placé sous l'autorité d'un ministre.

Word origin

Latin ministerium originally referred to service or duty, and French developed this sense into the name of a government department.

Usage tips

  • Au ministère can refer to working at the department or its offices, whereas a person is called un ministre or une ministre.

Related words

Word lists with this word