Origin: Latin suffix -al
Ministerial has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
A member of the mediaeval estate or caste of unfree nobles.
"The ministerial family held their land in exchange for military service to the king during the medieval period."
In plain English: A minister is an official who helps run government departments and carries out specific duties assigned to them.
"The ministerial resigned after admitting to taking bribes while in office."
Related to a religious minister or ministry.
"The congregation gathered for a solemn, ministerial ceremony to celebrate their shared faith."
In plain English: Ministerial means doing exactly what someone is told to do without using personal judgment or opinion.
"The ministerial staff worked late to finalize the new policy before the meeting."
Usage: Use this adjective specifically when referring to matters concerning a clergyman's office, such as "ministerial duties," rather than general administrative tasks. Avoid confusing it with "ministrative," which is not standard English and should be replaced with "administrative."
Borrowed from Middle French ministeriel, equivalent to minister + -ial. Doublet of minstrel and ministerialis.