Managing, organizing, or overseeing the execution of policies, programs, or procedures. Also means giving or applying something, such as medicine or an oath.
From Latin administrare, composed of ad- (to) + ministrare (to serve), from minister (servant, attendant). The word entered English through Old French in the 14th century, initially focusing on service and management roles.
The word 'administering' connects to 'minister' and originally meant 'to serve' - so administrators are technically servants! This etymology reveals an important truth: good administration should serve people's needs, not create bureaucratic barriers. The medical sense of administering drugs maintains this service-oriented meaning.
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