Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/əˌmanyəˈwensəs/

Definitions

• A person employed to write what another person dictates or to copy what has been written by another.
• A secretary or scribe, particularly in a historical context.

Usage Examples

• "The writer dictated his letters to his trusted amanuensis."
• "In the past, amanuenses were common in offices and courts for copying legal documents."
• "The famous author relied heavily on his amanuensis to transcribe his ideas."

Etymology

From Latin 'amanuensis,' meaning 'a person employed to write from dictation,' from 'a manu' meaning 'by hand.' The word 'amanuensis' was first used in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Secretary
• Clerk
• Scribe
• Transcriber
• Note-taker

Antonyms

• Boss
• Leader

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of 'amanuensis' generally remains consistent across regions, though some variations may occur based on local accents. It is often emphasized on the second syllable, “-nwen-.”

Historical Usage

The term 'amanuensis' dates back to the 17th century and has been used to describe scribes or secretaries who wrote from dictation. Historically, amanuenses were commonly employed in royal courts, businesses, and literary circles.

Cultural Nuances

The role of an amanuensis was once highly esteemed, particularly in scholarly or legal contexts. Today, the term is rarely used outside historical or literary discussions, though modern secretaries or transcriptionists may fulfill similar functions.

More Information

An amanuensis traditionally served as an essential figure in the production of written material. In addition to their transcription duties, they often acted as intermediaries for communication, especially in periods where writing was a specialized skill. Although the role has become largely obsolete, the word still holds historical significance in the context of writing and documentation.