Mission
ˈmɪʃən
Definitions
3 meaningsA task or purpose that someone or something is sent to do or achieve.
ˈmɪʃən
A specific task or duty that a person or group is sent to perform.
The team's mission was to rescue the hostages.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a super cool spy! Your mission is to get the secret documents from the bad guys. That's your specific job.
👶 For kids: It's a special job or task that someone has to do.
More Examples
The primary mission of the school is to educate children.
The astronauts successfully completed their space mission.
How It's Used
"The soldiers were assigned a reconnaissance mission."
"The company's mission is to provide sustainable energy solutions."
"NASA launched a new mission to Mars."
An organization or effort focused on helping others, often involving charitable or religious work.
ˈmɪʃən
A religious or charitable undertaking or organization.
The church supports several international missions.
💡 Simply: Like a group of helpful friends trying to make the world a better place, like providing food to hungry children. That's a mission!
👶 For kids: A group that helps other people.
More Examples
The organization's mission is to improve access to clean water.
The medical mission provided free healthcare to underserved communities.
How It's Used
"They donated money to the missionary mission in Africa."
"The charity's mission is to provide food and shelter to the homeless."
To assign a specific task or duty to someone or something.
ˈmɪʃən
To send someone on a specific task or assignment.
The president missioned the ambassador to negotiate a peace treaty.
💡 Simply: It's like telling someone, 'Hey, you've got a job to do!' For example, the boss 'missioned' Sarah to work on a new presentation.
👶 For kids: To tell someone to do something.
More Examples
The project manager missioned the team to meet the deadline.
The school missioned its teachers to implement the new curriculum.
How It's Used
"The general missioned the troops to secure the border."
"The company missioned the sales team to increase market share."
Synonyms
Assignment
Endeavor
Aid
Charity
Ministry
Assign
Charge
Commission
Delegate
Deploy
Idioms & expressions
on a mission
Focused and determined to achieve a goal.
"She was on a mission to finish her book before the end of the month."
From Latin *missio* ('a sending, dispatching'), from the verb *mittere* ('to send'). The word's development reflects the act of being sent on a journey or task.
The word 'mission' has been used since the 16th century, originally referring to a religious undertaking. Its meaning gradually expanded to include any important assignment.
Memory tip
Think of a secret agent on a mission. They have a specific task to complete.