delegate
DEL-i-geyt
/ˈdɛlɪɡeɪt/
To entrust a task, responsibility, or authority to another person, typically one who is less senior.
As a verb, it means passing down authority, not just work; the delegator remains ultimately responsible for the outcome.
The story behind the word. Traced back to the Latin verb 'delegare', meaning 'to send away on a mission or charge'. Historically, a delegate was a person sent with official instructions to act on behalf of a ruler or state.
Word relationships
- assign: Assign means to allocate a task, while delegate specifically implies transferring a portion of your own authority to someone else.
- retain: Retain means to keep possession of authority or control rather than passing it on.
Commonly confused with
- relegate: Relegate means to dismiss to an inferior rank or position, while delegate means to entrust authority to someone.
Word family
- delegation (noun): A body of delegates, or the act of delegating.
Collocations
- delegate authority
- delegate tasks
- effectively delegate
Example sentences
- "An effective executive must learn to delegate authority to department heads to avoid burnout." Management advice
- "Each state sent a delegate to the convention to debate the terms of the new constitution." Political history
Memory hook
Think of 'del-' (deliver) + 'gate'. You deliver the gatekeeping duties of a task to someone else. Entrust authority to others.
When not to use
Do not use when simply asking a peer for a favor or sharing a task equally without transferring authority.
Fun facts
- The 'Delegated Powers' in the US Constitution are those specifically granted to the federal government, while all other powers are retained by the states.
Related words
Explore more words
accountable, relegate, subordinate, proxy, defer, prioritize
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