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delegate

DEL-uh-gate /ˈdɛlɪɡeɪt/

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To entrust a task, responsibility, or power to another person, typically one who is less senior; or a person sent to represent others.

As a verb, it implies handing over a specific task while ultimately retaining the final responsibility for the outcome. As a noun, it refers to the chosen representative.

The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, a 'legatus' was an envoy or ambassador sent on official state business. When you 'delegate' today, you are metaphorically sending someone out as your personal envoy to execute a task on your behalf.

Word relationships

assign: 'Assign' simply means to give someone a task, whereas 'delegate' specifically implies transferring a portion of your own authority to them.
entrust: 'Entrust' emphasizes the trust and emotional investment placed in the person, while 'delegate' is more clinical and organizational.

retain: 'Retain' means to keep the authority or task for oneself rather than passing it to another.
monopolize: 'Monopolize' implies greedily keeping all control and tasks to oneself, preventing others from participating.

Commonly confused with

relegate: 'Delegate' is a positive or neutral transfer of duty to a representative, whereas 'relegate' means to banish or demote someone or something to a lower, less important position.

Word family

delegation (noun): The act of delegating, or a group of representatives.

Collocations

delegate authority
delegate tasks
effectively delegate
chosen delegate

Example sentences

"The effective manager must learn to delegate routine administrative tasks to free up time for strategic planning." A classic manual on management and leadership styles.
"Each delegate was given five minutes to present their country's proposed carbon reduction targets." A news report on an international climate summit.

Memory hook

Think of sending a representative to the 'gate' of a secure building because you are too busy to go yourself. You 'del-e-gate' the task. Send them to the gate.

When not to use

Do not use when you are giving away absolute, permanent power; use 'devolve' instead. Do not use for physical objects unless metaphorically transferring a duty.

Fun facts

The word 'colleague' shares the same root ('legare'), literally meaning someone chosen to work along with you under the same commission.