Words / B2

uhd-MIN-istr-uh-tiv/ədˈmɪnɪstrətɪv/

Administrative means connected with the day-to-day running of an organisation: administrative staff, an administrative error. Office and paperwork are everyday; bureaucratic is harsher and often critical. Administration is the noun. In speech, office / paperwork is enough. The adjective is neutral and organisational. Do not call a teaching decision administrative unless it really is about process, not pedagogy.

Meaning

Connected with the management of an organisation.

Examples

• “She has a lot of administrative work this week.”
• “An administrative delay held the visas, though the teaching plan was ready.”
• “She cut her teaching load to take on administrative duties in exams week.”

Good to know

Of office management / process. Everyday: office / paperwork. Noun: administration. Contrast: bureaucratic (critical). Not a teaching judgement.

Near in meaning

office

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