Basic Details
Word: Bureaucracy
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A system of government or management where decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives, often involving a lot of rules and procedures.
Synonyms: Administration, management, system
Antonyms: Freedom, flexibility
Idioms and Phrases
- Red tape: Refers to excessive bureaucracy or regulations that make it difficult to get things done. Example: "There was so much red tape to cut through that the project was delayed for months."
- Cut through the bureaucracy: To find a quicker way to deal with rules or regulations. Example: "The team had to cut through the bureaucracy to get approval for their innovative project."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The new law aims to reduce bureaucracy in the government to make it easier for citizens to access services.
Example 2: Many people find bureaucracy frustrating, as it often slows down important processes.
Example 3: The company has faced challenges due to the complex bureaucracy involved in international trade.
Fun Fact
The term "bureaucracy" comes from the French word "bureau," meaning desk, which highlights the administrative aspect of it. It originated in the 18th century and has evolved into a significant concept in modern governance and management.
Famous Quote
"Bureaucracy is a giant mechanism operated by pygmies." - Honore de Balzac
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "bureaucracy" mean?
a) A type of bird
b) A government system involving many rules
c) A kind of animal
d) A cooking technique
Answer: b) A government system involving many rules
2. Which of these is a synonym of "bureaucracy"?
a) Administration
b) Adventure
c) Celebration
d) Harmony
Answer: a) Administration
3. Which is an antonym of "bureaucracy"?
a) Management
b) Organisation
c) Flexibility
d) Tradition
Answer: c) Flexibility
4. Which sentence uses "bureaucracy" correctly?
a) The bureaucracy made it easy to apply for jobs.
b) The bureaucracy slowed down the process of getting the new law passed.
c) The children enjoyed the bureaucracy at school.
d) The cat was part of the bureaucracy.
Answer: b) The bureaucracy slowed down the process of getting the new law passed.
5. What does "red tape" refer to?
a) A useful tool in administration
b) A kind of celebration
c) Excessive regulations that delay processes
d) A friendly greeting
Answer: c) Excessive regulations that delay processes
