secretary
/ˈsɛk.rə.tə.ɹi/
noun
Origin
Latin
secretarius — a confidential officer or scribe
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person employed to carry out correspondence, make appointments, and perform other administrative tasks.
- An official in charge of a department of government.
- A writing desk with a hinged leaf and often a bookcase on top.
Literal older meaning
keeper of secrets
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
secretarie
Earliest period
late 14th century
Journey
Originally, a 'secretary' was a trusted confidant who held the 'secrets' (private documents or information) of a high-ranking individual. Over time, the role transitioned from a position of political power and intimate trust to an administrative function focused on clerical duties.
Evolution
- 14th century Latin
secretarius
“confidential officer”
Derived from secretum (secret).
- 14th century Old French
secretaire
“confidant or scribe”
- 15th century Middle English
secretarie
“a person who writes for another”
- 17th century English
secretary
“a writing desk with a drawer”
Metaphorical application of the person's desk.
Connections
Word parts
secret
root
hidden or private
-ary
suffix
indicating a person or thing pertaining to
Related across languages
French
secrétaire
secretary/writing desk
Spanish
secretario
secretary
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.