registrar
REH-jih-strar
/ˈrɛdʒɪstrɑːr/
An official responsible for keeping a register or official records.
Specifically refers to the person holding the office of record-keeping, distinct from the physical or digital archive itself.
The story behind the word. The word registrar comes from the Medieval Latin registrator, which traces back to regestum, meaning 'things recorded or transcribed.' It historically designated the scribe who had the solemn duty of writing down the decrees of kings and popes.
Word relationships
- record-keeper: Record-keeper is a general term, whereas registrar is an official, often legally designated title.
- clerk: Clerk can refer to any administrative assistant, while a registrar has specific legal authority over records.
Commonly confused with
- registry: The registrar is the person who manages the records, while the registry is the place or system where the records are kept.
Word family
- register (verb): To enter in an official list or record.
- registration (noun): The act of enrolling or recording.
Collocations
- county registrar
- university registrar
- registrar's office
- chief registrar
Example sentences
- "The university registrar verified that the student had completed all graduation requirements." Academic administration
- "The local registrar recorded the birth and issued the official paperwork to the parents." Civic registration
Memory hook
Think of a registrar as the star of the registry, shining a light on official records. Registrar = the star who guards the register.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to the database or book of records; use registry or ledger instead.
Fun facts
- In some countries, the registrar of births, deaths, and marriages has the legal power to reject baby names deemed offensive or ridiculous.
Explore more words
transcript, proctor, curator, administrative, archive, invigilate
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