commission
To formally choose someone to do a special piece of work, or to order the creation of something (like a work of art or a ship); or (as a noun) an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group.
Carries a strong association with professional, artistic, or military authority. It implies a formal contract where someone is paid or authorized to produce a specific, high-quality result.
Word relationships
- contract: 'Contract' is a purely legal and financial agreement, whereas 'commission' carries an artistic, creative, or official duty connotation.
- appoint: 'Appoint' is used for placing someone in a job or office, while 'commission' is used for ordering a specific piece of work or granting military rank.
- decommission: 'Decommission' means to formally take something (like a ship or a nuclear power plant) out of active service.
Commonly confused with
- permission: 'Permission' is simply allowing someone to do something they want to do, while a 'commission' is actively ordering or hiring someone to do something for you.
Word family
- commissioner (noun): A person appointed to a role by a commission, or a member of a government commission.
Collocations
- commission a study
- commission an artwork
- receive a commission
- out of commission
Idioms & expressions
- out of commission
Example sentences
- "The wealthy merchant family decided to commission a famous portrait painter to capture their likeness for the grand hall." An art history lecture.
- "After completing his rigorous training at the academy, he was proud to receive his commission as an officer in the navy." A military ceremony.
Memory hook
Think of a 'co-mission'—you and the artist are going on a 'mission' together to create a beautiful painting. A joint mission to create.
When not to use
Do not use for casual, everyday favors (e.g., 'I commissioned my friend to grab me a coffee' is overly formal and pretentious; use 'asked').
Fun facts
- The phrase 'out of commission' originally referred to a warship that was laid up for repairs and therefore unable to perform its official duties.
Explore more words
command, commend, requisition, Levy, decree, give permission
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