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Agency - Comprehensive Dictionary

Agency

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/

Definitions

  1. Noun: A business or organization that provides a specific service, especially one that deals with contracts or transactions.
  2. Noun: The capacity or ability to act or exert power.
  3. Noun: A government department or body that is responsible for a specific function or service.

Usage Examples

  • "She works for an advertising agency in New York."
  • "The government agency is responsible for enforcing environmental laws."
  • "The agency of the individual in this situation was crucial to the outcome."

Etymology

The word "agency" comes from the Latin word "agens," meaning "doing" or "acting," combined with the suffix "-cy," indicating a state or condition. The term was first used in English in the early 19th century to refer to the action or process of doing something, and later expanded to include the idea of an organization or business acting on behalf of others.

Synonyms

  • Firm
  • Office
  • Organization
  • Service
  • Representative

Antonyms

  • Inactivity
  • Passivity
  • Inertia
  • Neglect

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Hindiएजेंसी (Ejensī)/eˈdʒen.si/
FrenchAgence/aʒɑ̃s/
SpanishAgencia/aˈxenθja/
GermanAgentur/aˈɡɛntʊʁ/
Chinese (Simplified)代理机构 (Dàilǐ jīgòu)/daɪˈliː dʒɪˈɡoʊ/
Japanese代理店 (Dairiten)/daɪɾiːtɛn/
RussianАгентство (Agentstvo)/ɐˈɡʲɛntstvə/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English: /ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/

In British English: /ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/

In Australian English: /ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/

Historical Usage

The word "agency" began to be used in the 19th century, primarily in relation to business organizations acting on behalf of others. It later expanded to include government departments and the broader sense of having the ability to act or exercise power. Its usage has evolved to include the concept of individuals or entities exerting influence or control in various spheres of society, such as economics, politics, and social dynamics.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of "agency" has deep cultural significance, particularly in discussions about autonomy, empowerment, and influence. In many contexts, "agency" refers not only to the formal actions of organizations or businesses but also to the ability of individuals or groups to act independently and make choices that shape their lives. In some cultures, the idea of agency is closely linked to personal responsibility and social engagement, highlighting its importance in personal and collective decision-making processes.

More Information

The term "agency" is multifaceted, referring both to organizations and to the ability to act or exert power. In a business context, agencies provide a range of services, from advertising to talent management. In a broader philosophical or sociological sense, agency refers to an individual's or group's capacity to act independently, make choices, and influence outcomes. Understanding the nuances of agency is critical in fields ranging from political science to psychology, as it affects how power, control, and decision-making are distributed in society.

In modern society, agencies play a central role in commerce, governance, and the social landscape. From governmental agencies regulating public policy to advertising agencies shaping consumer behavior, the concept of agency reflects the ongoing interplay between individuals, organizations, and society at large. The study of agency is key to understanding how actions are taken, who holds power, and how decisions impact the collective and individual experience.

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