Missions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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missions
[ˈmɪʃənz ]
Definitions
space exploration
Specific tasks or projects assigned to a person or group, especially a military or scientific expedition sent to achieve a specific objective.
Synonyms
assignment, operation, project, task.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| missions |
Used in situations involving significant or purposeful journeys, often associated with military, religious, or exploratory activities. It can imply a serious or critical objective.
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| assignment |
Commonly used in academic or work settings to refer to specific tasks or duties given to someone to be completed within a certain timeframe.
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| task |
Generally refers to a specific activity or piece of work to be done, often part of a larger job or project. The word doesn't imply the same level of complexity or scale as 'mission' or 'operation'.
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| project |
Refers to a set of tasks organized to achieve a specific goal, often requiring planning and collaboration. Used in academic, professional, or personal settings.
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| operation |
Typically used in contexts involving planned activities that require coordination and often involve multiple steps or phases, commonly used in military, medical, or business settings.
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Examples of usage
- The astronauts were assigned different missions during their space expedition.
- The scientist's mission was to conduct experiments on Mars.
- The military's mission was to secure the area.
religious
A sending out or being sent out by a church authority to carry on evangelistic work, usually in a foreign country.
Synonyms
evangelism, ministry, outreach.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| missions |
Typically refers to organized efforts, often by religious groups, to spread their beliefs or provide humanitarian aid in various locations, often internationally. Can also refer to specific tasks or goals set by an organization.
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| evangelism |
Specifically pertains to the act of spreading religious faith, particularly Christianity, through preaching or personal witness.
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| ministry |
Refers to the work or vocation of a religious minister or an organized group within a religion dedicated to various forms of community service, worship, and teaching. It can also mean a government department, especially in some countries.
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| outreach |
Relates to efforts made by organizations (religious or not) to connect with and provide services to a community. This term is broadly used across various sectors including social services, healthcare, and education.
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Examples of usage
- The church sent missionaries on a mission to Africa.
- She felt called to go on a mission to spread the faith.
general
An important assignment carried out for political, religious, or commercial purposes.
Synonyms
assignment, goal, objective, task.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| missions |
Used often in military, religious, or space contexts. It implies a significant, often dangerous journey or undertaking.
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| assignment |
Commonly used in academic or professional settings to refer to a specific piece of work or duty given to someone.
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| task |
Refers to a specific piece of work or duty. It can be used in both professional and personal contexts, usually implying a smaller scope compared to 'assignment'.
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| objective |
Often used in business, formal plans, or military frameworks. It signifies a specific aim or target, often within a broader strategy.
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| goal |
Usually refers to a desired result or achievement one aims for over a period of time. Used in general contexts like sports, personal development, and business.
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Examples of usage
- The company was on a mission to increase its market share.
- He was on a mission to find the truth.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term has been used since the Latin word 'missio', meaning 'sending away', emphasizing the idea of sending people for a specific purpose.
- In the 17th century, religious missions played a major role in spreading Christianity around the globe, particularly in the Americas and Asia.
- Exploratory missions during the Age of Discovery helped map new territories and connect distant continents.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, missions are portrayed positively as heroic endeavors for exploration or humanitarian efforts.
- Films and literature often depict military missions as high-stakes operations, showcasing bravery and strategy.
- Many nonprofit organizations run missions aimed at providing aid or education, making a difference in communities worldwide.
Science and Space Exploration
- The Apollo missions in the 1960s and 70s marked humanity's first steps on the moon, shifting our understanding of space travel.
- Current missions to Mars aim to determine the planet's potential for past life and prepare for human colonization.
- Space missions often use advanced technology and international cooperation to achieve challenging scientific goals.
Psychology
- Having a clear mission in life can contribute to a sense of purpose and well-being, motivating individuals to achieve their goals.
- Mission statements in organizations define their core beliefs and values, influencing behavior and culture.
- Studies show that people who engage in altruistic missions often report higher levels of happiness and fulfillment.
Technology
- With the rise of technology, missions now often rely on digital communication and data analysis, enhancing efficiency.
- Operating systems like Android and iOS often have a 'mission framework' that helps developers create user-focused applications.
- In robotics, missions can refer to the predefined set of tasks a robot must accomplish in a specific environment.
Origin of 'missions'
The word 'missions' originated from the Latin word 'missionem,' which means 'sending off' or 'a mission.' The concept of missions has been prevalent throughout history, particularly in the context of religious and exploratory endeavors. Missions have played a significant role in the expansion of empires, the spread of religions, and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Today, missions continue to be a vital part of various fields, including space exploration, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts.
See also: intermission, missionary, missioner.