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department
/dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
specific section of an organization
The marketing department is responsible for promoting our products.
The marketing department handles product promotion tasks.
formal
A division of a large organization such as a government, university, or business, dealing with a specific subject, commodity, or area of activity.
She works in the human resources department of a multinational company.
She is employed in the HR division of an international firm.
The physics department offers advanced courses in quantum mechanics.
The physics faculty provides specialized classes on quantum mechanics.
Often used in institutional contexts (e.g., universities, corporations, government agencies).
formal
A distinct part or branch of knowledge, activity, or a particular area of responsibility.
The department of public safety ensures community security.
The public safety sector manages community protection measures.
Can refer to a functional area within a broader field (e.g., 'the department of linguistics').
Collocations
department storea large retail establishment selling various goodsdepartment headthe leader or manager of a specific departmentacademic departmenta division within a university focusing on a particular subject
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 'department' from 'section'
'Department' typically implies a larger, more formal or permanent organizational unit (e.g., 'the sales department'), while 'section' may refer to a smaller or temporary subdivision (e.g., 'a section of the report').
Gold Rule
Capitalization in titles
Capitalize 'Department' when it is part of a proper noun or formal title (e.g., 'Department of Education').
Word Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'action of departing'): from Old French *departement*, from *departir* 'divide, share out,' based on Latin *departire* 'divide.' The current sense dates from the late 18th century.
Usage Notes
Common in formal contexts; avoid using as a verb (e.g., 'departmenting' is incorrect). In British English, 'department' is often abbreviated as 'dept.' in informal writing.
Word Breakdown
de-
away from, apart
prefix-part-
part, share
root-ment
result or action of
suffixEnglish Dictionary