a person appointed to a high office in the government
"Minister of Finance"
a diplomat representing one government to another; ranks below ambassador
"Since we don't have an embassy here, our minister will meet with their counterpart next week to discuss trade agreements."
the job of a head of a government department
"The transport minister announced new regulations for electric vehicles during her press conference today."
A person who is trained to preach, to perform religious ceremonies, and to afford pastoral care at a Protestant church.
"After years of studying theology, she was finally ordained as a minister to serve the local congregation."
In plain English: A minister is a government official who leads a specific department and helps run the country.
"The local minister spoke to the congregation about their upcoming community service project."
Usage: Use "minister" as a noun to refer specifically to an ordained leader in a Protestant church who performs religious duties and provides spiritual care. Avoid confusing this role with government officials or other leaders unless the context explicitly involves religious settings.
To attend to (the needs of); to tend; to take care (of); to give aid; to give service.
"The volunteers worked hard to minister to the refugees who had just arrived in the camp."
In plain English: To minister means to take care of someone by giving them help, comfort, or service.
"The local minister visited the church every Sunday to comfort the grieving congregation."
Usage: Use the verb minister to describe caring for someone's physical or emotional needs, such as when a nurse ministers to an injured patient. It implies active service and attention rather than simply talking about something.
The word "minister" entered English via Middle English and Old French from the Latin minister, which originally meant an attendant, servant, or assistant to a priest. Its root is the Latin adjective minor, meaning "less," reflecting the role of someone who serves in a subordinate capacity.