Words / B1

MIN-ist-uh/ˈmɪnɪstə/

A minister is a senior government politician: the health minister; a cabinet minister; Prime Minister. Ministry is the department. A minister is also a church leader. Secretary of State is a UK title for some ministers. Do not call every MP a minister — only those with a government job. Mix-up: minster (a large church, York Minster).

Meaning

A senior government politician in charge of a department; also a religious leader.

Examples

• “The health minister answered questions about waiting times.”
• “The education minister answered questions on teacher shortages.”
• “She spoke to the parish minister after the funeral, which is the church sense.”

Good to know

the health / foreign minister; Prime Minister. Department: ministry. Not every MP. Mix-up: minster (church building).

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