Task: meaning, definitions and examples

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task

[tɑːsk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

work

A piece of work to be done or undertaken.

Synonyms

assignment, job, project.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
task	Typically refers to a piece of work or duty that is assigned or expected to be completed. It can be used in both personal and professional settings. I have a task to finish by the end of the day. Cleaning the kitchen is your next task.
job	This word often signifies ongoing work for which one gets paid. It can also refer to a specific duty or responsibility, usually implying a more permanent or professional activity. I found a job at the local café. My job is to handle customer complaints.
assignment	Usually refers to work or duties given by someone in authority, like a teacher or manager. Commonly used in academic or professional environments. My assignment for English class is due next Monday. The manager gave him a new assignment to complete.
project	Generally refers to a larger, more complex, and often collaborative piece of work. It can be used in professional, academic, or personal contexts. We are working on a new project to improve the software. The biology project needs to be finished by Friday.

Examples of usage

I have a lot of tasks to complete before the deadline.
She wrote down the tasks that needed to be finished by the end of the day.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

computing

A discrete and self-contained activity that a computer is to perform.

Synonyms

function, operation, process.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
task	Use 'task' to describe a piece of work or duty that needs to be completed, often as part of a larger project or job. She was assigned a new task by her manager. Completing this task will take several hours.
operation	Use 'operation' to describe a series of actions or activities that are carried out to achieve a particular end, often in a technical, military, or business context. The factory's operations are running smoothly. The military operation was successful.
function	Use 'function' to refer to the specific role or purpose of something, especially within a system or device. The main function of this software is to process data. Each department in the company has a specific function.
process	Use 'process' to describe a series of steps or actions taken to achieve a particular result, often in a systematic or methodical manner. The hiring process can be lengthy. Manufacturing this product requires several complex processes.

Examples of usage

The program can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Each task is assigned a priority level for execution.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

command

Assign a piece of work to someone.

Synonyms

allocate, assign, delegate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
task	Use 'task' when referring to a specific piece of work that needs to be completed. It can be used in any context, such as work, school or home. I have a math task to complete by tomorrow. His main task today is to finish the report.
assign	Use 'assign' when giving someone a specific responsibility or task to complete. This can be used in both formal and informal settings. The teacher assigned a reading chapter for homework. I have been assigned to manage the new project.
delegate	Use 'delegate' when giving someone else the responsibility to complete a task or make a decision. This often implies authority and trust in the person given the task. The manager decided to delegate some responsibilities to his assistant. It's important to delegate tasks to be more efficient.
allocate	Use 'allocate' when distributing resources or responsibilities among people or tasks. This word is often used in formal or business contexts. We need to allocate more funds to the marketing department. The project manager allocated the tasks among the team members.

Examples of usage

I will task you with completing the report by tomorrow.
The manager tasked the team with finding a solution to the problem.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'tasque,' which means a job or assignment.
Its Latin root 'taxare' means to charge or to assess, indicating a duty or responsibility.
The term evolved over time, first appearing in English around the 14th century.

Psychology

Breaking down tasks into smaller parts can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and increase productivity.
Research shows that completing tasks provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting motivation.
People often experience what's called 'task aversion' when faced with unpleasant jobs, which can lead to procrastination.

Work Culture

In modern workplaces, 'task management' has become essential, with tools like Asana and Trello helping teams stay organized.
Different cultures approach task management in unique ways; for example, some prioritize collaboration while others emphasize individual responsibility.
The rise of remote work has brought about new challenges in managing tasks effectively and maintaining clear communication.

Education

In educational settings, assigning tasks can facilitate active learning by engaging students with hands-on activities.
The 'task-based language teaching' approach focuses on using real-life tasks to improve language skills among learners.
Teachers often use collaborative tasks to promote teamwork and social skills among students.

Technology

In computer science, a task refers to a set of operations that a processor can execute, integral to multitasking.
Task scheduling in software programming allows multiple operations to occur simultaneously, increasing efficiency.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, machines are now assigned tasks traditionally done by humans, reshaping the workforce.

Translations

Translations of the word "task" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tarefa

🇮🇳 कार्य

🇩🇪 Aufgabe

🇮🇩 tugas

🇺🇦 завдання

🇵🇱 zadanie

🇯🇵 タスク

🇫🇷 tâche

🇪🇸 tarea

🇹🇷 görev

🇰🇷 작업

🇸🇦 مهمة

🇨🇿 úkol

🇸🇰 úloha

🇨🇳 任务

🇸🇮 naloga

🇮🇸 verkefni

🇰🇿 тапсырма

🇬🇪 დავალება

🇦🇿 vəzifə

🇲🇽 tarea

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,191, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1188 ordered
1189 remember
1190 negative
1191 task
1192 maintenance
1193 engaged
1194 authorized
...