ministerial

UK: ˌmɪnɪˈstɪərɪəl | US: ˌmɪnɪˈstɪriəl

Definition
  1. adj. relating to a government minister or ministry

  2. adj. involving administrative or executive authority

  3. adj. (archaic) acting as an agent or subordinate

Structure
minister <servant/agent>ial <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "ministerial" derives from the Latin ministerialis, meaning "pertaining to a servant." The root "minister" (from Latin minister, "servant" or "attendant") originally referred to someone who performed duties under authority. Over time, it evolved to denote government officials serving a sovereign or state. The suffix "-ial" (from Latin -ialis) forms adjectives indicating relation. Thus, "ministerial" describes attributes or actions connected to administrative service, reflecting its historical progression from servitude to governance.

Examples
  1. The ministerial committee approved the new policy draft.

  2. She holds a ministerial position in the Department of Education.

  3. His duties were purely ministerial, requiring no decision-making.

  4. The report criticized the lack of ministerial accountability.

  5. (Archaic) The angel acted in a ministerial role, delivering divine messages.