Delegates: meaning, definitions and examples

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delegates

 

[ ˈdɛlɪɡət ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

politics

A person sent or authorized to represent others, in particular, an elected representative sent to a conference.

Synonyms

ambassador, envoy, representative.

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Word Description / Examples
delegates

Used to describe people chosen to represent others, typically in the context of conferences, meetings, or political gatherings.

  • The conference will have delegates from over 50 countries
  • The school board met with the delegates of the parent association
representative

This general term is used for someone who acts or speaks on behalf of a group or another person, suitable for a wide range of situations including business, government, or everyday scenarios.

  • She serves as the company's representative at all trade shows
  • The representative for the district met with voters to hear their concerns
ambassador

Used to describe a high-ranking official who represents their country in a foreign land. This term is often used in official and formal diplomatic contexts.

  • The ambassador held a meeting with the president to discuss international relations
  • She was appointed the ambassador to France
envoy

Used to describe a person sent on a specific mission, usually diplomatic, to negotiate or communicate with another group or nation. This term can have a formal or semi-formal tone.

  • The special envoy was sent to mediate the peace talks
  • An envoy was dispatched to convey the king's message

Examples of usage

  • The delegates from each state gathered for the national convention.
  • She was chosen as a delegate to represent her district at the international summit.
Context #2 | Verb

delegate or entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person.

To entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person, typically one who is less senior than oneself.

Synonyms

assign, entrust, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assign

This word is typically used in professional or academic settings to allocate tasks or responsibilities to individuals or groups.

  • The manager will assign the new project to Alex.
  • The teacher assigned homework for the weekend.
entrust

Often used in both personal and professional contexts. It conveys a higher degree of trust and responsibility than 'assign'. Typically used when giving someone the responsibility for something valuable or important.

  • She entrusted her best friend with the secret.
  • The CEO entrusted him with the company's future.
transfer

Usually applied in contexts where something, such as responsibility, ownership, or authority, is moved from one person or place to another. It can be used in various domains like finance, work, or property management.

  • He decided to transfer the remaining funds to the new account.
  • The responsibility for the project was transferred to a new manager.

Examples of usage

  • She delegates the tasks to her team members effectively.
  • The manager delegates authority to his subordinates.

Translations

Translations of the word "delegates" in other languages:

🇵🇹 delegados

🇮🇳 प्रतिनिधि

🇩🇪 Delegierte

🇮🇩 delegasi

🇺🇦 делегати

🇵🇱 delegaci

🇯🇵 代表

🇫🇷 délégués

🇪🇸 delegados

🇹🇷 delegeler

🇰🇷 대리인

🇸🇦 ممثلين

🇨🇿 delegáti

🇸🇰 delegáti

🇨🇳 代表

🇸🇮 delegati

🇮🇸 fulltrúar

🇰🇿 делегаттар

🇬🇪 დელეგატები

🇦🇿 nümayəndələr

🇲🇽 delegados

Etymology

The word 'delegate' originated from the Latin word 'delegatus', which means 'sent on a mission'. It first appeared in English in the late 15th century. The concept of delegating authority or representation has been essential in various fields, especially in politics and business, to distribute tasks and responsibilities effectively among individuals or groups. Delegates play a crucial role in decision-making processes, negotiations, and representing interests at conferences or meetings.

See also: delegate, delegated, delegating, delegation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,573, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.