ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

ad-
ac- — Used before c in Latin.
af- — Used before f in Latin.
ag- — Used before g in Latin.
al- — Used before l in Latin.
ap- — Used before p in Latin.
ar- — Used before r in Latin.
as- — Used before s in Latin.
at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

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noun

administration

ud-min-ih-STRAY-shun/ədˌmɪnɪˈstreɪʃn/

The management or execution of an organized undertaking.

The school's administration coordinates staffing, budgets, and student records.

Three school administrators coordinate a timetable and folders around a small table; management rather than teaching.

Etymology

adLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+ministrLatinserve or attend

+ationLatinan action, process, or result

The act of serving or assisting broadened into directing and managing affairs. Administration applies that service-based idea to the organized management of property, businesses, or public affairs.

In context

HISTORY38:08

an incoming administration seems indifferent to the looming threat. - One of the administration's first reactions was, "Why is the counterterrorism operation here so big?"

The Missed Warnings That Led to 9/11 | Road to 9/11 | Full Special

More examples

The new administration changed the city's transportation policy.
The exam's administration requires a quiet room and trained supervisors.
The ceremony includes the administration of an oath.

Forms

administration · administrations

administrator noun — A person authorized to manage an organization or system.

Similar words

management: Often emphasizes directing people and resources in ordinary operations.
leadership: Emphasizes guiding direction rather than handling operational procedures.