Mission Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mission
[หmษชสษn ]
Definitions
important task
A mission is an important task or job that someone is given to do, especially one that involves travelling to different places.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mission |
A mission often implies an important or high-stakes task, usually with a specific goal or purpose in mind. It is often used in military, space exploration, or humanitarian contexts.
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| task |
Task refers to any piece of work or activity that needs to be completed. It is a general term and can refer to both simple and complex activities.
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| assignment |
Assignment refers to a specific piece of work or duty given to someone as part of their job or studies. It is commonly used in educational and professional settings.
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| objective |
Objective denotes a target or a goal that one is trying to achieve. It is often used in strategic, business, or planning contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She was on a mission to find her missing cat.
- The astronauts' mission to the moon was a success.
purpose
A mission can also refer to a strong feeling of commitment to a cause or belief.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mission |
A mission usually refers to a specific task or project, often with a detailed plan and a clear endpoint. It's often used in military, corporate, or nonprofit settings.
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| purpose |
Purpose describes the underlying reason or intent behind an action or existence. It is commonly used philosophically or in a motivational context.
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| cause |
A cause refers to a broader, often ongoing effort to support or promote a certain principle or idea. It is commonly used in social, political, or fundraising contexts.
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| goal |
A goal signifies a desired result or achievement that a person or organization aims for. It's often used in personal development, business, or sports contexts.
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Examples of usage
- His mission in life is to help those in need.
- The organization is on a mission to protect the environment.
military operation
In a military context, a mission is a specific task given to a person or group of people.
Synonyms
assignment, campaign, operation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mission |
When referring to a significant or special task, particularly in a military, religious, or exploratory context.
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| operation |
Typically used in military or medical contexts to describe a planned activity or a series of activities aimed at accomplishing a specific goal.
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| assignment |
When talking about a job, duty, or task that someone has been given to do, often in a professional or educational context.
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| campaign |
Best used when referring to an organized effort to achieve a particular goal, often in political, social, or marketing contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The special forces were sent on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.
- The mission was to rescue the hostages.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In the context of exploration, historical missions were often undertaken by explorers to discover new lands and trade routes.
- During the Age of Enlightenment, various scientific missions aimed to study natural phenomena and geography.
- Many space missions, such as landing on the moon, have significantly advanced our understanding of outer space.
Pop Culture
- The term gained popularity in films, especially in series like 'Mission: Impossible,' highlighting adventurous tasks.
- Video games such as 'Call of Duty' and 'Assassin's Creed' often involve characters on missions to complete challenging objectives.
- In literature, characters often face 'missions' that drive the plot and personal growth, reflecting their quests for truth or victory.
Science
- In environmental science, missions are organized to study climate change and implement conservation strategies.
- Medical missions are conducted to provide health services, research, and education in underprivileged areas.
- Astronomers undertake missions to deploy observatories and probe the mysteries of the universe through satellite missions.
Psychology
- Having a personal mission can enhance an individualโs sense of purpose and motivation in life.
- In therapy, people are encouraged to articulate their personal missions to foster well-being and focus.
- Mission statements in organizations help create a strong, shared vision that aligns the teamโs efforts and values.
Origin of 'mission'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mission' originates from the Latin 'missio', which means 'to send' or 'to allow to go.'
- In the 16th century, the term was used to describe a group sent for a specific purpose, especially in the context of religious work.
- The word has evolved to encompass any task or duty, expanding far beyond its religious origins.
The word 'mission' comes from the Latin word 'missio', which means 'sending' or 'dispatch'. The term originally had religious connotations, referring to the sending of individuals on a religious task or purpose. Over time, the meaning of 'mission' expanded to include various tasks, objectives, and goals in different contexts, such as military operations, humanitarian efforts, and personal commitments.
See also: dismiss, miss, missed, misses, missile, missive, remiss.