How Do You Spell DEPARTMENT?

Pronunciation: [dɪpˈɑːtmənt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "department" follows the IPA transcription of /dɪˈpɑːtmənt/. It is a noun that refers to a specific division of an organization or institution. The word is made up of nine letters and is pronounced as "di-pahrt-muhnt". The first syllable "di" is pronounced as "dɪ" as in the word "did". The second syllable "pahrt" is pronounced as "pɑːrt" as in the word "part". The final syllable "muhnt" is pronounced as "mənt" as in the word "ment".

DEPARTMENT Meaning and Definition

  1. A department is a distinct section or division within an organization, institution, or government entity that performs specific functions or activities relating to a particular area of expertise or responsibility. It is characterized by a specialized focus and is often established to promote efficiency, organization, and effective management within an entity.

    Departments are typically created to group together individuals with similar skills, knowledge, or roles, allowing them to collectively work towards achieving common goals and objectives. They have clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and hierarchies that facilitate the smooth operation and coordination of tasks within an organization.

    These divisions can exist in various types of entities, such as private companies, public institutions, academic institutions, or even within governmental bodies. In larger organizations, departments may further be subdivided into units, sections, or branches, each with their own unique functions and areas of concentration.

    Within departments, there are often supervisors, managers, or directors who oversee and direct the activities of the employees or members. These leaders are responsible for setting objectives, making decisions, allocating resources, and monitoring the performance of the department to ensure the fulfillment of its objectives.

    Overall, departments serve as crucial components of an organization's structure, functioning as specialized units that contribute to the overall success and efficiency of the entity.

  2. A separate room or office for business; a branch of business; a division of territory.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DEPARTMENT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DEPARTMENT

Etymology of DEPARTMENT

The word "department" has its roots in French. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old French word "departement", which is derived from the verb "departir", meaning "to divide" or "to part". The term was first used in English in the early 18th century, primarily referring to a distinct division or section within an organization. In this sense, "department" signifies a separate area or unit within a larger entity, emphasizing the divisional structure. The usage gradually expanded to cover various administrative divisions and specialized branches in institutions and government bodies.

Idioms with the word DEPARTMENT

  • be sb's department The idiom "be someone's department" means that a particular matter or responsibility falls under someone's jurisdiction or area of expertise. It suggests that a particular task, issue, or subject matter belongs to a specific person or department who is in charge of handling it efficiently.
  • not be sb's department The idiom "not be someone's department" means that a particular matter or issue is not the responsibility or concern of the person being referred to. It signifies that they are not responsible for or involved in dealing with the specific situation or task at hand.
  • be (not) (one's) department The idiom "be (not) (one's) department" typically means that something is (not) a person's responsibility or area of expertise. It refers to the notion that certain tasks or topics fall under the jurisdiction or purview of specific individuals or departments within an organization or team. When someone says that something is "not their department," they are stating that it is outside their role or duties. Conversely, when something is "their department," it means that it is within their sphere of responsibility or knowledge. This idiom is often used to politely decline involvement in a particular matter or to redirect it to someone else.
  • in the trouser department The idiom "in the trouser department" is a euphemistic expression that refers to the male genitalia, particularly emphasizing their size or performance.
  • not your department The idiom "not your department" refers to a situation where someone is being informed that a particular task, issue, or responsibility does not fall within their area of expertise, jurisdiction, or responsibility. It implies that the person should not be involved or concerned with the matter at hand.
  • be somebody’s department The idiom "be somebody's department" means that a particular responsibility or task falls within someone's area of expertise or jurisdiction. It implies that the person is responsible for or in charge of handling that specific matter.
  • headache department The idiom "headache department" refers to a situation, place, or department in which complicated or challenging problems arise, often causing distress, frustration, or difficulties. It implies that dealing with or managing the issues in this particular area can be exasperating or demanding, similar to a persistent headache.
  • from the Department of the Bleeding Obvious The idiom "from the Department of the Bleeding Obvious" is often used sarcastically to describe a statement or piece of information that is incredibly obvious or inconsequential, usually to highlight the lack of necessity in stating it. It implies that the information being conveyed is so self-evident that it hardly requires any mention or explanation.
  • in the brain/looks department The idiom "in the brain/looks department" refers to a comparison of someone's intelligence or mental abilities and physical appearance. It implies evaluating or considering these two aspects separately or individually.

Similar spelling words for DEPARTMENT

Plural form of DEPARTMENT is DEPARTMENTS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: