sinecure
Meaning
a position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit.
Structure
Usage
he was given a sinecure on the board as a reward for his long service.
the position was widely seen as a political sinecure for the former minister.
she grew bored with the sinecure and sought a more challenging job.
Etymology
the word "sinecure" is a direct borrowing from the medieval latin phrase "beneficium sine cura", meaning "a benefice without care (of souls)". it originally referred to an ecclesiastical position, such as a rectorship, that provided an income but did not involve the usual pastoral duties or spiritual responsibilities. the term entered english in the 17th century, retaining its core idea of a paid office without corresponding duties. over time, its application broadened from the church to any secular position that provides a salary or perks for minimal or no work, perfectly preserving the literal logic of its latin components: "without care".
Analysis
- sine: a latin preposition meaning "without". - cure: from latin "cura", meaning "care, concern, charge".