Commission Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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commission

[kəˈmɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A fee paid to a salesperson or agent for selling a product or service. It is usually a percentage of the total sale.

Synonyms

compensation, fee, payment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commission

Used to refer to money earned based on completing a task, often a percentage of sales.

  • She receives a commission for every car she sells.
  • He earned a high commission on the deal.
fee

Used to describe a fixed charge for a service, typically paid to professionals like lawyers or consultants.

  • The attorney's fee was quite high.
  • There's a small fee for processing the application.
payment

Used in the general sense for any money given or received for goods, services, or debt.

  • She made a payment on her loan.
  • The payment for the groceries was processed instantaneously.
compensation

Used to describe money or other benefits received for work, services, or as reimbursement for loss or injury.

  • Employees receive fair compensation for their work.
  • The company provided compensation for the damages caused.

Examples of usage

  • The salesperson received a 10% commission for selling the house.
  • The agent earned a commission for bringing in new clients.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

A group of people officially appointed to perform a certain task or function.

Synonyms

board, committee, panel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commission

A commission is typically a group assigned with a specific duty or authority to carry out a particular task or project. It is often used in formal or official contexts.

  • The government formed a commission to investigate the issue
  • The commission will present its findings next month
committee

A committee is a group of people designated to discuss, review, and make decisions on specific matters or issues. It is often used within organizations, governments, or events to handle specific tasks.

  • The committee on education has proposed new regulations
  • He is a member of the organizing committee for the event
board

A board usually refers to a group of individuals who are appointed to oversee the operations of an organization, company, or institution. It is often used in corporate or organizational contexts.

  • The board of directors held a meeting to discuss the new policy
  • She was elected to the board of the non-profit organization
panel

A panel refers to a group of experts or individuals brought together to discuss, assess, or judge a particular subject or event. It is commonly used in contexts such as discussions, interviews, or judging competitions.

  • A panel of experts will discuss the impact of climate change
  • The panel of judges selected the winner of the competition

Examples of usage

  • The company set up a commission to investigate the issue.
  • The commission is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the organization.
Context #3 | Verb

official

To formally assign or entrust a task or responsibility to someone.

Synonyms

appoint, authorize, delegate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commission

Appropriate when assigning a task, project, or piece of work, often in a formal or official capacity.

  • The artist was commissioned to create a mural for the city hall
  • The government commissioned a report on climate change
appoint

Used when assigning someone to a specific role or position, often within an organization or official capacity.

  • She was appointed as the new manager of the department
  • The board of directors appointed him as the CEO
delegate

Commonly used when assigning tasks or responsibilities to others, often in a managerial or group setting.

  • The team leader delegated the smaller tasks to the team members
  • It's important to delegate work to ensure efficiency
authorize

Best used when giving official permission or power to do something, often in a legal or formal context.

  • The bank authorized the transfer of funds
  • Only the principal can authorize field trips

Examples of usage

  • The manager commissioned the team to work on the new project.
  • The government commissioned a study to assess the impact of the new policy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Commissions are common in sales industries, where salespeople earn a percentage of the money from what they sell.
  • In real estate, agents often work on commission, incentivizing them to sell properties at higher prices.

Art and Media

  • Commissions in art mean artists are hired to create specific works, often leading to unique, personalized masterpieces.
  • Many famous portraits and sculptures we admire today were created under commission for wealthy patrons.

Military

  • In the military, a 'commission' refers to an official appointment, allowing someone to hold a rank and command others.
  • Commissioned officers often have significant responsibilities and can lead troops in various situations.

Usage in Modern Context

  • In the tech industry, commissions can be part of software sales, reflecting performance in selling subscriptions or services.
  • Freelancers often negotiate commission rates for their projects, allowing them to earn based on their work's value.

Origin of 'commission'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'commissionem,' which means 'to entrust,' highlighting the act of assigning a task.
  • It appeared in English around the 15th century, initially referring to the act of committing a crime or a formal order.

The word 'commission' has its origins in Latin, coming from the word 'commissio' meaning 'bringing together'. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the act of entrusting someone with a task or duty. In the business context, 'commission' specifically refers to a fee paid for services rendered, with its usage dating back to the 16th century.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,392, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.