Words / B1

MIN-istr-ee/ˈmɪnɪstri/

A ministry is a government department in many countries: the Ministry of Defence; the ministry issued guidance. In the UK, some departments are called ministries and some offices or departments. A minister heads it. Church ministry is another sense (work of a priest). Do not use ministry for a small office team. Uncountable in the church-work sense.

Meaning

A government department in some countries (the Ministry of Defence).

Examples

• “The ministry published new guidance for schools.”
• “The ministry published new guidance on flood defences.”
• “He left teaching for ministry in an inner-city parish, which is the church sense.”

Good to know

the Ministry of + area; ministry guidance. Head: minister. Also religious work. Not a small private office.

Near in meaning

department

New