agency
UK: ˈeɪdʒənsi | US: ˈeɪdʒənsi
n. an organization or business providing a specific service
n. the capacity or power to act or exert influence
n. a government department responsible for a particular area of activity
The word "agency" originates from the Latin agere (to do, act), which evolved into the Medieval Latin agentia (capacity to act). The morpheme ag- preserves the core meaning of action, while -ency (via Old French -ence) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or function. The term reflects the concept of active intervention or delegated authority, mirroring its modern usage in organizational and legal contexts.
She works for a marketing agency.
The environmental agency regulates pollution standards.
Children gradually develop a sense of agency as they grow.
The travel agency booked our flights to Paris.
His role in the project gave him significant agency over decisions.