secretary

Someone who helps with office work, such as letters, calls, appointments, and records.

• The secretary answered the phone.
• My secretary arranged the meeting.
• She worked as a secretary for ten years.

How to use it: secretary to someone (He is secretary to the company director.)

Similar words: administrative assistant

Common phrases: personal secretary, office secretary, secretary to someone

Someone with a leading or managing role in a party, union, or other organization.

• The union secretary spoke at the meeting.
• Members elected a new general secretary.
• She became secretary of the local party branch.

How to use it: secretary of something (He is secretary of the teachers’ union.)

Common phrases: general secretary, party secretary, union secretary