-ary

Usage

• functionary

  A functionary is a minor official who works for a government or political party; they attend to administrative tasks that are small and trivial.

• luminary

  A luminary is someone who is much admired in a particular profession because they are an accomplished expert in their field.

• emissary

  An emissary is someone who acts as a representative from one government or leader to another.

• adversary

  An adversary is a person who goes against you in some way, such as an opponent in a contest or a personal enemy in a conflict.

• mercenary

  A mercenary person is one whose sole interest is in earning money.

• reliquary

  A reliquary is a receptacle or container that displays sacred relics—and keeps them safe.

• commentary

  If a reporter gives commentary about something, they are talking about it as it is happening, or they are discussing and giving their opinion about something that has already happened.