functionary
functionary Lexical Profile
functionary Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who holds an official position or performs routine administrative duties, especially within a government, political party, or large bureaucracy.
"Our application was delayed for weeks by a minor government functionary who insisted on additional paperwork."
• adjective
Relating to or acting as an official or bureaucratic representative; performing a routine official duty.
"He served in a purely functionary capacity within the regional administration, stamping permits and filing routine reports."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Functionary" often carries a slightly dismissive or pejorative connotation, suggesting a minor bureaucrat who mechanically follows rules without exercising independent judgment.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 18th century from French fonctionnaire, derived from fonction ("function"), ultimately from Latin functio ("a performance, an execution").