department
gb/dɪpˈɑɹtmənt/ us/dɪpˈɑɹtmənt/
A2
English
~ 500
osztály, részleg, tanszék, terület, hatáskör, szakterület
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] works in the [department]
She works in the marketing department of a large tech firm.
Egy nagy technológiai cégnél dolgozik a marketingosztályon.
The police department is investigating the case.
A rendőrség nyomoz az ügyben.
Our university's English department is hosting a lecture series.
The IT department fixed my computer problem.
Each department has its own budget and manager.
Learner examples
I work in the sales department.
Az értékesítési osztályon dolgozom.
The art department is upstairs.
A művészeti tanszék az emeleten van.
He called the police department.
She is the head of the math department.
The HR department helps new workers.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'department' with 'apartment' because they sound similar, but they have very different meanings.
Meaning
Section of an organization
Collocations
marketing department
|sales department
|police department
|human resources department
|IT department
Synonyms
division (Often used in business contexts; can sometimes imply a larger or more autonomous unit than 'department'.)
|
section (A smaller or less formal subdivision, often within a department.)
Antonyms
whole (Refers to the entirety of the organization rather than one part.)
Themes
business
|education
|government
|work
Definition
One part of a company, school, or government that does a certain kind of work.
A distinct part or division of a large organization, such as a business, government, or university, responsible for a specific area of activity.
NOUN
A2
2
Usage pattern:
the [department] sells [something]
The electronics department is on the third floor.
Az elektronikai részleg a harmadik emeleten van.
I found a beautiful dress in the clothing department.
Egy gyönyörű ruhát találtam a ruházati osztályon.
The home goods department is having a sale this week.
Learner examples
The shoe department is on the first floor.
A cipőrészleg az első emeleten van.
He went to the toy department.
A játékrészlegre ment.
We saw TVs in the electronics department.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'department' only applies to offices, not realizing it's common in retail contexts.
Meaning
Store area for specific goods
Collocations
clothing department
|electronics department
|home goods department
Synonyms
section (A general term for a part of a store; less formal than 'department'.)
Antonyms
entire store (Refers to the whole retail space rather than one section.)
Themes
shopping
|commerce
|daily_life
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
One part of a big shop where you can buy certain things.
A section of a large store that sells one type or category of goods.
NOUN
B1
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
in the [department] of [something]
Mathematics is not my department.
A matematika nem az én területem.
Questions about finance are outside my department.
A pénzügyi kérdések nem tartoznak az én hatáskörömbe.
In her department, she’s considered an expert.
Learner examples
Cooking is not my department.
A főzés nem az én területem.
He is good in the sports department.
Sport terén jól teljesít.
This question is not my department.
Common mistake:
Learners may incorrectly use 'department' here to mean a physical place rather than an abstract area of responsibility.
Meaning
Area of responsibility or knowledge
Collocations
my department
|her department
|area of responsibility
Synonyms
field (Refers broadly to an area of study or work; less organizational in focus.)
Antonyms
irrelevance (Indicates something outside a person's area of concern or expertise.)
Themes
academia
|skills
|work
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A special area of work or knowledge that someone has.
A particular sphere of activity, knowledge, or responsibility.
Grammar
Dictionary form
department
IPA
GB/dɪpˈɑɹtmənt/
US/dɪpˈɑɹtmənt/
Syllables & stress
de - part - ment (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (part)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: department
- Plural: departments
Word family
Forms
departments
noun
Core family
departmental
adjective
Related words
interdepartmental
adjective
Advanced or less common
departmentalize
verb
departmentalization
noun
departmentally
adverb
Expressions
department store
1/dɪpˈɑɹtmənt stˈɔɹ/
fixed phrase
Large store with product sections
A big shop with different areas that sell different things.
Examples
- We spent the afternoon shopping at the new department store.
- Department stores often have sales during holidays.
fire department
1/fˈaɪɚ dɪpˈɑɹtmənt/
fixed phrase
Firefighting and rescue agency
The group of people who stop fires and help in emergencies.
Examples
- The fire department responded quickly to the call.
- Call the fire department if you see smoke.
police department
1/pəlˈis dɪpˈɑɹtmənt/
fixed phrase
Local law enforcement agency
The part of local government that makes sure people follow the law and catches criminals.
Examples
- The police department has issued a warning about phone scams.
- She filed a report at the police department.