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Assign Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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assign

[əˈsʌɩn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

task completion

To allocate a task or responsibility to someone.

Synonyms

allocate, appoint, delegate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assign

Used when giving a specific task or responsibility to someone.

  • I was assigned the task of organizing the team meeting
  • The teacher assigned homework to the students
allocate

Used when distributing resources or duties among a group or towards a purpose.

  • The manager allocated funds for the new project
  • We need to allocate more time to this task
delegate

Used when giving someone the authority to carry out a specific task or duty, often one of your own.

  • You should delegate some of your tasks to your team members
  • The manager delegated the responsibility of the report to Jane
appoint

Used when officially selecting someone for a position or role.

  • She was appointed as the new CEO of the company
  • The president appointed a new ambassador

Examples of usage

  • He assigned the project to his team.
  • She assigned homework to her students.
  • The teacher assigned roles for the school play.
Context #2 | Noun

education

A task or piece of work allocated to someone.

Synonyms

project, task, work.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assign

Best used when giving someone a particular duty or responsibility.

  • The manager will assign the new project to the most experienced team.
  • Teachers often assign homework to students.
task

A piece of work that needs to be done, often part of a larger project.

  • Completing the budget report is a challenging task.
  • He was given the task of organizing the company picnic.
project

Typically refers to a planned piece of work that has a specific goal and is often for an extended period.

  • We are starting a new project to develop eco-friendly packaging.
  • This project aims to improve the city's infrastructure.
work

General term for activities involving mental or physical effort done to achieve a result.

  • She has a lot of work to finish before the deadline.
  • His work involves data analysis.

Examples of usage

  • The students were given a challenging assign to complete over the weekend.
  • The boss handed out a new assign to each team member.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In schools, assignments help teachers assess what students have learned.
  • Common types of assignments include essays, projects, and presentations, each tailored to reinforce different skills.

Technology

  • In software development, assigning tasks to team members can optimize productivity and clarify responsibilities.
  • Many project management tools exist to help teams assign and track tasks efficiently, fostering collaboration.

Psychology

  • Tasks that are assigned can affect motivation; clear guidelines make it easier for people to complete them.
  • People often perform better when assignments are matched to their interests and strengths, making the work feel more rewarding.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters often go on 'assignments' that lead to adventures or conflict, showcasing the importance of purpose.
  • Video games frequently include missions or assignments that players must complete to progress in the story.

Origin of 'assign'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'assignare', which means 'to mark' or 'to designate'.
  • It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally used in legal contexts before gaining broader usage.

The word 'assign' originated from the Latin word 'assignare', which means 'to mark out, to allot'. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. Over the years, 'assign' has evolved to be commonly used in various contexts, especially in the fields of education and project management.

See also: assignable, assigned, assignee, assigning, assignment, assignments, assignor, misassign, preassign, reassign, reassignment, unassigned.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,797 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.