Delegate
/ˈdɛlɪɡət/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo assign responsibility for a task or decision to a subordinate.
/ˈdɛlɪɡeɪt/
To entrust or assign a task or responsibility to another person.
The CEO delegated the responsibility of public relations to the marketing department.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're super busy, so you give a friend a task, like taking care of the pets. You're delegating, giving them the job!
👶 For kids: To give someone else a job to do.
More Examples
The teacher delegated the task of collecting papers to the class monitor.
I'm delegating the grocery shopping to you this week.
How It's Used
"The manager delegated the project to a junior team member."
"The president delegated authority to the Secretary of State."
A representative sent to a conference or meeting to represent a group of people.
/ˈdɛlɪɡət/
A person sent or authorized to represent others.
The delegates from each country met to discuss climate change.
💡 Simply: Think of a student representative. They're a delegate, speaking for all the students!
👶 For kids: Someone who speaks for a group.
More Examples
The union sent a delegate to negotiate the new contract.
The conference was attended by many delegates from around the world.
How It's Used
"Each state sent delegates to the national convention."
"The delegates discussed the proposed changes to the constitution."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
delegate authority
To give someone the power to make decisions or take action on your behalf.
"The CEO delegated authority to the regional managers to handle customer complaints."
the delegation
The group of people appointed to represent a particular organization or area.
"The delegation from China arrived at the summit this morning."
From Latin *dēlēgāre* ('to send on a mission, entrust'), from *dē-* ('away, off') + *lēgāre* ('to send as a deputy, appoint').
Historically, the word has been used in both political and legal contexts to refer to individuals authorized to act on behalf of others or to assign responsibilities.
Memory tip
Think of it like giving someone a 'gate' to manage for you, giving them the authority.
Word Origin
"to send on a mission or entrust"