Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈklɛrɪkəl/

Definitions

• Relating to office work, especially routine documentation and administrative tasks.
• Pertaining to clergy or religious duties.

Usage Examples

• She was hired for a clerical position at the law firm.
• The clerical hierarchy played a key role in medieval governance.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "clericalis," meaning "of a cleric," which originates from "clericus" (clergyman).

Synonyms

• Administrative
• Secretarial
• Religious
• Ecclesiastical

Antonyms

• Non-clerical
• Secular
• Unsystematic

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈklɛrɪkəl/
• American English: /ˈklɛrɪkəl/ or /ˈklɪrɪkəl/

Historical Usage

The term "clerical" was historically associated with church officials who managed records and performed administrative duties. Over time, it extended to secular office work.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, clerical roles are still strongly linked to religious institutions, while in others, the term primarily refers to administrative work.

More Information

Clerical work is essential in various fields, including government, law, and business. While originally tied to the church, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of professional administrative roles.