bureaucracy
|bu/reau/cra/cy|
B2
🇺🇸
/bjʊˈrɑːkrəsi/
🇬🇧
/bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/
complex administrative system
Etymology
Etymology Information
'bureaucracy' originates from French, specifically the word 'bureaucratie,' where 'bureau' meant 'desk' and '-cratie' meant 'rule or government.'
Historical Evolution
'bureaucratie' transformed into the English word 'bureaucracy' in the 19th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'government by desks or offices,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a complex system of administration.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a system of government or business that has many complicated rules and ways of doing things.
The bureaucracy in the company made it difficult to implement new ideas.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35