Delegated: meaning, definitions and examples

👤
Add to dictionary

delegated

 

[ˈdɛlɪˌɡeɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

authority

To entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person or group, typically one who is less senior than oneself. It involves giving someone the authority to act on one's behalf.

Synonyms

allocate, assign, authorize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
delegated

Used when referring to the act of entrusting authority or responsibility to someone, typically a subordinate.

  • The manager delegated tasks to his team members to ensure the project was completed on time.
  • Responsibilities were delegated to various departments to streamline the workflow.
assign

Used when designating tasks or responsibilities to specific individuals or groups.

  • The teacher assigned homework to the students.
  • She was assigned the role of project manager for the upcoming event.
allocate

Appropriate when talking about distributing resources, time, or tasks for a specific purpose.

  • The budget was allocated to different departments based on their needs.
  • We need to allocate more time to this project to meet the deadline.
authorize

Usually applied when granting permission or approval for something officially.

  • Only the CEO can authorize large financial transactions.
  • The guard was authorized to grant entry to the restricted area.

Examples of usage

  • The manager delegated the task of organizing the event to his assistant.
  • She delegated the decision-making process to a committee.
Context #2 | Verb

politics

To send or appoint (a person) as deputy or representative. It is often used in the context of official duties or responsibilities.

Synonyms

appoint, commission, nominate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
delegated

Used when someone is given specific tasks or responsibilities by someone in authority. Often used in professional or organizational settings.

  • The manager delegated the marketing tasks to Sarah.
  • He delegated the authority to sign the documents to his assistant.
appoint

Used when someone is officially chosen for a position or role, often in formal or official contexts.

  • The president will appoint a new ambassador to the United Nations.
  • They appointed her as the new head of the department.
commission

Used when someone is formally given the authority to do a particular piece of work. This can also include art or special projects.

  • The government commissioned a report on climate change.
  • The city council commissioned a local artist to create a mural.
nominate

Used when someone is suggested for a position, award, or role, especially in competitive or official settings.

  • They decided to nominate her for the employee of the year award.
  • He was nominated for the position of vice president.

Examples of usage

  • The president delegated the ambassador to negotiate the treaty.
  • The minister delegated the task of drafting the policy to his team.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'delegatus', meaning 'one who is sent' or 'appointed'.
  • It originally referred to a person chosen to represent others in a meeting or gathering.
  • The use of 'delegate' in management and authority contexts emerged in English in the late 14th century.

Business Management

  • Effective delegation can lead to increased productivity and better team morale.
  • Leaders often delegate tasks to empower team members and encourage skill development.
  • Delegation helps to create a more efficient workflow by allowing tasks to be handled by those best suited for them.

Psychology

  • Delegating responsibilities can reduce stress and avoid burnout in managers and leaders.
  • Trust plays a crucial role in delegation; effective delegation builds confidence among team members.
  • Not everyone finds it easy to delegate; some may fear losing control over tasks or outcomes.

Education

  • In project-based learning, teachers often delegate roles to students to promote collaboration.
  • Delegation in educational settings can foster leadership skills and accountability among students.
  • Teachers who delegate tasks effectively can engage students more deeply in their learning process.

Pop Culture

  • Various movies and shows depict characters who struggle with or master the art of delegation in their careers.
  • In team-based video games, delegating roles is essential for success, mirroring real-life team dynamics.
  • Popular self-help books often discuss delegation as a key strategy for personal and professional growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "delegated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 delegado

🇮🇳 प्रतिनिधि

🇩🇪 delegiert

🇮🇩 didelegasikan

🇺🇦 делегований

🇵🇱 delegowany

🇯🇵 委任された

🇫🇷 délégué

🇪🇸 delegado

🇹🇷 delege edilmiş

🇰🇷 위임된

🇸🇦 مفوَّض

🇨🇿 delegovaný

🇸🇰 delegovaný

🇨🇳 委派

🇸🇮 delegiran

🇮🇸 úthlutað

🇰🇿 делегацияланған

🇬🇪 დელეგირებული

🇦🇿 təyin edilmiş

🇲🇽 delegado

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,008 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.