Meaning & use
Functionary
Last updated
A person who performs official or routine duties within an organization, especially a government.
See it in a sentence
A minor functionary stamped the paperwork without even reading it.
The visiting delegation was greeted by a low-level party functionary rather than the minister.
A note on using this word
Often used with a slightly negative tone, suggesting someone whose role is mechanical or impersonal rather than powerful.
Words with a similar meaning
officialbureaucratofficeholder
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