bureau - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
bureau Word Meanings
- an office or agency
- a chest of drawers
- a division of government
bureau Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
bureau Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈbjʊə.rəʊ/
US
/ˈbjʊroʊ/
bureau Word Etymology
bureau = 'desk' (from Late Latin 'burrum' or try 'burrum') + -eau (diminutive suffix), from French origin. Imagine a large wooden desk filled with papers from a busy office, making it memorable with its distinct organization and structure.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Bureau is a French-origin word in English that covers three core senses: a government office or agency, a desk with drawers, and, in older usage, a chest of drawers. In contemporary English, you’ll see government entities named as a bureau, such as the Bureau of Statistics, which carries a formal, administrative feel. The furniture sense refers to a writing desk with drawers; in modern speech this is less common and more likely found in antique descriptions or interior-historical contexts. A chest of drawers is usually called a dresser in everyday speech, though an old or classic piece may still be labeled a bureau. Note pronunciation: BYOO-roo in many contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: bureau can mean a government office, a desk with drawers, or a cabinet from older furniture. Pronounce clearly, as influenced by stress. Use with proper collocations: government bureau, the tax bureau, a filing bureau. Avoid confusing with bureaucracy or office when referring to the agency itself. In writing, maintain formal tone for official bureaus. When describing furniture, choose desk or dresser if modern, or bureau for antique style. Consider regional preferences in the US and UK about furniture use.
Common Misconceptions
- Bureau always means a government department.
- Bureau is never a piece of furniture in modern English.
- Bureau and bureaucracy are the same thing.
- The furniture sense of bureau is widely used today.
- All offices called 'bureau' require special government status.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: bureau is a formal, multi-sense word; learners may assume it only means a government office or a desk. Emphasize its three main senses and common collocations.
Learning Tips
- Practice all three senses with quick examples.
- Pay attention to collocations like 'Bureau of X' vs 'office of X'.
- Differentiate from 'bureaucracy' by meaning, not form.
- Listen for context clues to pick the sense.
- Note that furniture sense is often antique or formal.
- Use flashcards to memorize the furniture terms (desk, dresser).
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'bureau'?
A.Furniture
B.Oven
C.Pencil
D.Cloud
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'bureau' correctly?
A.I need to buy a new dishwasher.
B.The bureau is filled with paperwork.
C.The cat slept on the sofa.
D.She has a desk in her room.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'bureau'?
A.Chair
B.Couch
C.Desk
D.Table
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'bureau'?
A.Shelf
B.Closet
C.Bed
D.Drawer
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you encounter a 'bureau'?
A.School classroom
B.Hospital operating room
C.Gymnasium
D.Government office
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