DictionaryRoot: minister
Latin

minister

servant or attendant

Forms

  • minister
  • ministr- — The longer form used before Latin endings.

Origin

Built from the Latin family of minus, “less,” with an ending indicating a role or position.

Note

A title of subordinate service later developed into one of high public office.

5 / 5
adjective

ministerial

Relating to government ministers or their offices.

Etymology

Minister developed from servant into a title for a government official. Ministerial describes that official's office, responsibilities, or actions.

Full entry

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