Meaning & use
bureaucratically
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Meanings
adverb
In a way that involves many official rules and processes, often with delays.
Grammar: Modifies verbs or whole clauses: 'The process was handled bureaucratically.'
Patterns
- act bureaucratically
- handle something bureaucratically
- bureaucratically slow
The permit was handled bureaucratically, with forms sent back and forth for months.
She complained that the department acted too bureaucratically and ignored simple solutions.
The system is bureaucratically complex, requiring approval from several offices.
adverb
In a manner typical of a bureaucracy or its officials.
Grammar: Describes the style of an organization or official: 'bureaucratically organized'.
Patterns
- bureaucratically organized
- bureaucratically minded
The agency is bureaucratically organized, with strict levels of authority.
He is bureaucratically minded and prefers clear written rules to informal chats.
Common combinations
- bureaucratically slow
- The approval process was bureaucratically slow and frustrated everyone.
- act bureaucratically
- The manager acted bureaucratically, insisting on every form being signed.
- bureaucratically complex
- The rules are bureaucratically complex for small businesses.
- handle something bureaucratically
- They handled the complaint bureaucratically instead of solving the problem.
Synonyms and how they differ
- officially
- Neutral; it means according to official rules, without the negative idea of too much paperwork.
- administratively
- Focuses on management tasks rather than the strict, rule-bound feeling of 'bureaucratically'.
- red-tape
- An adjective or noun for too much paperwork; it emphasizes the paperwork itself, not the manner of acting.
Word family
- bureaucracy noun
- A system of government or management with many official rules and departments.
- bureaucrat noun
- An official who works in a bureaucracy, often following rules strictly.
- bureaucratic adjective
- Relating to a bureaucracy or its complicated rules.
Commonly confused: bureaucratically or bureaucratic?
bureaucratically vs bureaucratic
That is the adjective; 'bureaucratically' is the adverb, so it describes how something is done.
Practice
The visa application was processed ___, taking six months and many forms.
Choose one answer.
The adverb 'bureaucratically' describes how the application was processed. 'Bureaucratic' is an adjective and would need a noun after it; 'bureaucracy' is a noun for the system; 'bureaucrat' is a person.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “bureaucratically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.