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DictionaryRoot: -atio
Latin

-atio

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -atio
  • -ation- — Latin stem used outside the basic noun form.
  • -ation — Borrowed into English through French and Latin.

Origin

Latin -a-, associated with one class of verbs, plus the action-noun suffix -tio.

Note

The same formation can name either doing something or what the action produces.

11 / 374
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.