English Lexicon

Agency

/ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #800 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices.

    "In a democratic society, citizens have the agency to influence government policies."
  2. 2

    An organization or company that provides a particular service.

    "She works for an advertising agency that specializes in digital marketing."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'agency' originates from the Latin word 'agentia', which means 'to act'. It evolved through Middle English, where it referred to the capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, reflecting a shift in understanding human autonomy and social structures.

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