What does "bureaucrat" mean?
An official who is part of a bureaucracy.
Bureaucrat
/ˈbjʊəɹəkɹæt/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An official who is part of a bureaucracy.
- Grammar: bureaucrat is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: administrative official, administrator, civil servant, clerk.
- Useful contrasts: free market advocates, cacique, mavericks.
- Usage evidence: Each bureaucrat has their own idiosyncrasies as to what papers they will require from you. To be safe, bring all the papers you can, and then get the ones that you can't. Even then, you will be at their whim.
How to use "bureaucrat"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "bureaucrat" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "bureaucrat" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "bureaucrat" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "bureaucrat" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "bureaucrat" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "administrative official" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "bureaucrat", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An official who is part of a bureaucracy.
"Coristine, who had signed onto the telemeeting using a non-government email address, gave the bureaucrats swift marching orders, telling them he needed access to the federal department’s contract and payment systems before reportedly making them justify their jobs at the $1 billion-budget administration."
- 2 an official of a bureaucracy wordnet
- 3 A user on a wiki with the right to change user access levels.
"One of three major processes is generally used: a bureaucrat review, a broader community review, or an approvals group review. As only local bureaucrats or Wikimedia stewards can grant the bot flag necessary to operate an authorized bot, the simplest method is to appeal directly to these individuals."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Each bureaucrat has their own idiosyncrasies as to what papers they will require from you. To be safe, bring all the papers you can, and then get the ones that you can't. Even then, you will be at their whim."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "bureaucrat"?
Common synonyms include: administrative official, administrator, civil servant, clerk, colonialists, czarist.
How do you use "bureaucrat" in a sentence?
Each bureaucrat has their own idiosyncrasies as to what papers they will require from you. To be safe, bring all the papers you can, and then get the ones that you can't. Even then, you will be at their whim.
How do you pronounce "bureaucrat"?
Pronounced /ˈbjʊəɹəkɹæt/.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *péh₂wr̥ Proto-Hellenic *pāwər Ancient Greek πῦρ (pûr) Proto-Indo-European *-rós Ancient Greek -ρός (-rós) Ancient Greek πῠρρός (pŭrrhós)bor. Latin burrus Latin burra Old French *bure Proto-Indo-European *-lós Proto-Italic *-elos Latin -ulus Latin -ellus Old French -el Old French burel French bureau Proto-Indo-European *kret- Ancient Greek κρᾰ́τος (krắtos) Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-i-eh₂ Ancient Greek -ῐ́ᾱ (-ĭ́ā) Ancient Greek -κρᾰτῐ́ᾱ (-krătĭ́ā)lbor. French -cratie French bureaucratie French bureaucratebor. English bureaucrat From French bureaucrate, equivalent to bureau + -crat.