clerk — a person who works in an office, dealing with records or performing general office duties
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person who works in an office, dealing with records or performing general office duties
Pronunciation (IPA): /klɜːrk/
Example Sentences
- The hotel clerk gave me the wrong room key... twice!
- I worked as a clerk at the library during summer vacation.
- The grocery store clerk scanned my items so fast, I got dizzy watching!
clerk
NOUN[/klɜːrk/]
a person who works in an office, dealing with records or performing general office duties
The bookstore clerk helped a family choose books at the counter.
The clerk gave the visitors clear help by finding the right files for them. (CLEAR HELP → a clerk gives clear help to customers)
The clerks worked hard in the office and earned a small perk for finishing early.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'clericus', meaning 'clergyman' or 'member of the clergy'. In the Middle Ages, clergymen were among the few literate individuals in society, and thus held responsibility for all written documentation and administrative tasks. Over time, the term evolved to denote anyone who handled written records and correspondence, eventually broadening to mean an office worker or administrative assistant.
Breakdown
Latin 'clericus' (clergyman, from Greek 'kleros' meaning lot or inheritance) gradually shifted in meaning from 'clergy member' to 'person who handles writing and documents', reflecting the historical association between religious orders and literacy in medieval Europe.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The hotel clerk gave me the wrong room key... twice!”
“I worked as a clerk at the library during summer vacation.”
“The grocery store clerk scanned my items so fast, I got dizzy watching!”
“Please ask the clerk for assistance if you need help.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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