Secretary vs. Secretariat: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 21, 2023
"Secretary" typically denotes an individual responsible for administrative tasks, while "Secretariat" refers to a department or organization's administrative office or the personnel working therein.
Key Differences
Secretary typically signifies an individual, often working in an office or organizational setting, handling clerical tasks, correspondence, and other administrative duties. In contrast, Secretariat is the office or establishment where these administrative and clerical tasks are performed, or it may refer to the collective personnel of such an office.
A Secretary can serve in various capacities, from helping executives manage their schedules to taking meeting minutes. The Secretariat, on the other hand, might encompass a whole team or department dedicated to facilitating administrative procedures, ensuring smooth operations within an organization or institution.
When referring to official contexts, a Secretary can also mean a person holding a specific post in government, such as the "Secretary of State." Secretariat in international contexts, like the United Nations, signifies the primary administrative office responsible for executing mandates and handling official tasks.
Many organizations have a Secretary who focuses on specific administrative functions and serves as an essential point of contact. Simultaneously, the Secretariat acts as the central hub, ensuring that all administrative, clerical, and operational duties are streamlined and efficiently handled.
While both terms relate to administration, the primary distinction is between the individual role of a Secretary and the collective or institutional nature of a Secretariat.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual handling administrative tasks
A department or office handling administrative tasks
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Contextual Usage
Can denote a specific administrative role or government post
Indicates an administrative office or its personnel
Grammatical Application
Refers to a person
Refers to a place or group
Scope
Individual-based
Institution or department-based
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Secretary and Secretariat Definitions
Secretary
An official in a club or organization responsible for correspondence and records.
The club's Secretary sent out membership renewals.
Secretariat
A department or team handling clerical and administrative duties.
The conference Secretariat managed all event logistics.
Secretary
A person who manages correspondence and clerical tasks.
The executive's Secretary organized all appointments.
Secretariat
The personnel or office responsible for administrative tasks in an organization.
The UN Secretariat is responsible for day-to-day operations.
Secretary
A desk with compartments for writing and storing papers.
She kept her letters in an antique Secretary.
Secretariat
An office or body of administrators and officials.
The global convention had its own dedicated Secretariat.
Secretary
A person employed to handle correspondence, keep files, and do clerical work for another person or an organization.
Secretariat
A governing body or administrative department, especially in politics or international organizations.
The Secretariat of the treaty ensured compliance by all member states.
Secretary
An officer who keeps records, takes minutes of the meetings, and answers correspondence, as for a company.
Secretariat
The place or establishment where secretaries work.
The Secretariat was bustling with activity during the summit.
Secretary
An official who presides over an administrative department of state.
Secretariat
An administrative unit responsible for maintaining records and other secretarial duties; especially for international organizations
Secretary
A desk with a small bookcase on top.
Secretariat
The department administered by a governmental secretary, especially for an international organization.
Secretary
(obsolete) Someone entrusted with a secret; a confidant.
Secretariat
The office occupied by such a department.
Secretary
(obsolete) Someone employed as a scribe for personal correspondence.
Secretariat
The office or position of a governmental secretary.
Secretary
A person who keeps records, takes notes and handles general clerical work.
I have a personal secretary to help me organize my clients.
The secretary at the school is in charge of communication between parents, students, and staff.
Secretariat
The office or department of a government secretary.
Secretary
The head of a department of government.
Secretariat
(Roman Catholicism) A kind of dicastery within the Roman Curia.
Secretary
A managerial or leading position in certain non-profit organizations, such as political parties, trade unions, international organizations.
Secretariat
The office of a secretary; the place where a secretary transacts business, keeps records, etc.
Secretary
(US) A type of desk, secretary desk; a secretaire.
Secretariat
Thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1973
Secretary
A secretary bird, a bird of the species Sagittarius serpentarius.
Secretary
(transitive) To serve as a secretary of.
Secretary
One who keeps, or is intrusted with, secrets.
Secretary
A person employed to write orders, letters, dispatches, public or private papers, records, and the like; an official scribe, amanuensis, or writer; one who attends to correspondence, and transacts other business, for an association, a public body, or an individual.
That which is most of all profitable is acquaintance with the secretaries, and employed men of ambassadors.
Secretary
An officer of state whose business is to superintend and manage the affairs of a particular department of government, and who is usually a member of the cabinet or advisory council of the chief executive; as, the secretary of state, who conducts the correspondence and attends to the relations of a government with foreign courts; the secretary of the treasury, who manages the department of finance; the secretary of war, etc.
Secretary
A piece of furniture, with conveniences for writing and for the arrangement of papers; an escritoire.
Secretary
The secretary bird.
Secretary
A person who is head of an administrative department of government
Secretary
An assistant who handles correspondence and clerical work for a boss or an organization
Secretary
A person to whom a secret is entrusted
Secretary
A desk used for writing
Secretary
An individual responsible for administrative duties.
The Secretary prepared the meeting agenda.
Secretary
A governmental official leading a specific department.
The Secretary of Defense oversees the nation's military.
FAQs
Does "Secretariat" only pertain to large organizations?
Not necessarily. Any office or department handling administrative tasks can be termed a "Secretariat."
Can "Secretary" refer to a piece of furniture?
Yes, a "Secretary" can also be a specific type of desk with compartments.
Can a "Secretary" be a high-ranking official?
Yes, especially in government contexts, like the "Secretary of State."
Does every organization have a "Secretary"?
Not necessarily, but many have individuals handling similar roles.
Would a company have multiple "Secretariats"?
Not typically. A "Secretariat" usually refers to a central administrative department or office.
Is a "Secretary" always a single person?
Typically, yes. It refers to an individual with administrative responsibilities.
Is "Secretariat" exclusive to global organizations?
No, but it's often used in contexts like the UN. It can refer to administrative offices in various organizations.
How does a "Secretary" differ from an "Assistant"?
Both handle administrative tasks, but "Secretary" often implies more specialized or official roles.
Is the "Secretariat" only about administrative tasks?
Primarily, but its scope can encompass broader organizational duties and responsibilities.
How is "Secretariat" used in the context of international relations?
It often denotes an administrative office of international
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
