Secretarial

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌsɛk.ɹəˈtɛəɹi.əl/

Definitions

1. Pertaining to the administrative responsibilities typically performed by a secretary, which often include managing correspondence and scheduling appointments
2. Relating to tasks associated with clerical duties, emphasizing the organization of information and facilitating communication within an office
3. Connected to the functions carried out by a secretary, such as handling office communication and managing schedules ; involved with routine office tasks that support organizational operations

Etymology: Secretary began as a word for a trusted confidant. Medieval Latin "secretarius" was a person entrusted with secrets, and the Latin "secretum" (something set apart, hidden) sits behind it. Over the centuries the role shifted from keeper of private matters to writer of letters and documents for a master, and only later to the office-bound clerk of modern usage. The adjective "secretarial" is a plain formation: "secretary" with the suffix "-al" added, in the sense of relating to a secretary or the work of one. Its meaning has narrowed accordingly, so that "secretarial skills" now refers to typing, filing and managing correspondence rather than to keeping a lord's confidences.

Synonyms: administrative, clerical, office, executive, supportive