Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌkəˌmɪʃəˈnɛə/

Definitions

• Noun: A person, typically employed by a private company, responsible for managing access to a building, assisting with security, and sometimes performing duties similar to a doorman or concierge.
• Noun (historical): An officer or official in charge of a specific commission or governmental function, particularly in certain historical contexts or European usage.

Usage Examples

• The commissionaire greeted visitors at the entrance, ensuring they were directed to the correct office.
• In the old mansion, the commissionaire controlled the flow of guests and managed the security of the estate.
• As a commissionaire at the luxury hotel, she was responsible for providing guests with services like directing them to the elevators and managing their luggage.

Etymology

The term "commissionaire" comes from the French word "commissaire," meaning "officer" or "commissioned officer," which itself derives from the Latin "commissarius," meaning "one who is entrusted with a task." Over time, the word evolved to refer to a person entrusted with specific duties, often in a managerial or security-related role in commercial buildings or institutions.

Synonyms

• Concierge
• Doorman
• Security officer
• Receptionist
• Attendant

Antonyms

• Guest
• Visitor
• Outsider

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "commissionaire" can be pronounced differently in various regions, especially between British and American English. In British English, the pronunciation might lean towards "kom-iss-air," with a clear articulation of the final "air." In American English, the pronunciation may drop the "r," sounding more like "kom-iss-er." Additionally, non-native English speakers often use the original French pronunciation, "kom-iss-air," especially in professional or formal settings.

Historical Usage

Historically, the term "commissionaire" referred to a person appointed to specific duties in governmental or military contexts, often as an official in charge of a particular commission or responsibility. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, "commissionaires" were often employed in hotels, large estates, and public institutions to manage access, assist with security, and provide administrative support. The role has evolved over time, but the core responsibility of overseeing and managing tasks related to security and visitor access remains intact in modern usage.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the term "commissionaire" is specifically associated with European, especially French, traditions where security personnel or doormen in buildings play a prominent role. The notion of a "commissionaire" might convey a more formal or prestigious image compared to other similar roles, and it is often used in upscale, historical contexts such as luxury hotels or private clubs. In non-European countries, however, equivalent roles are typically referred to as doormen or concierges, and the term "commissionaire" may not have the same cultural significance.

More Information

The role of a commissionaire today is often associated with private sector jobs in building management, security services, or luxury hotel industries. The tasks of a commissionaire can vary, but they commonly include greeting and guiding visitors, managing access to restricted areas, handling security protocols, and overseeing the general flow of people entering and exiting a building. Commissionaires may also be responsible for performing other administrative duties such as coordinating with staff, delivering messages, or assisting with minor tasks requested by building occupants or guests.