Tasks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tasks

[tɑːks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

to-do list

Tasks are activities or assignments that need to be completed within a given timeframe. They can range from simple daily chores to complex work projects.

Synonyms

assignments, chores, duties, projects.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tasks	Used to refer to specific activities or pieces of work that need to be done. Often used in both professional and personal settings. She completed all her tasks before the deadline He had a list of tasks to finish over the weekend
assignments	Primarily used in educational or professional contexts to refer to specific pieces of work given to someone to complete. These often have deadlines and specific requirements. The teacher gave them a reading assignment for the weekend He had three assignments to submit by the end of the month
duties	Often used in a formal context to describe responsibilities or obligations, especially those related to a job or role. Can imply a sense of obligation or necessity. As a manager, her duties include overseeing staff and managing budgets One of his primary duties as a firefighter is to ensure public safety
projects	Used to describe larger, often complex undertakings that require planning, collaboration, and a series of tasks to complete. Commonly used in professional, educational, and personal development contexts. He is working on a new project to develop a mobile app For her science class, she has a project on renewable energy
chores	Refers to routine tasks or duties, especially those that are household-related and less pleasant to do. Typically used in informal, everyday contexts. She spends her Saturday mornings doing household chores like cleaning and laundry One of his chores is taking out the trash

Examples of usage

I have a lot of tasks to complete before the deadline.
One of my tasks for today is to call the clients and schedule meetings.
Completing tasks efficiently is key to productivity.
I always prioritize my tasks based on their importance.
She manages to juggle multiple tasks at the same time.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

computing

In computing, tasks refer to specific units of work that a computer program or system performs. They can include processes, functions, or operations.

Synonyms

functions, jobs, operations, processes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tasks	Tasks are usually specific pieces of work to be done, often part of a larger project or routine. They can vary in complexity and time needed. He completed his tasks before the deadline. We need to break down this project into smaller tasks.
operations	Operations often refer to ongoing activities, actions, or processes involved in running a business, machinery, or military actions. They tend to be broader and more complex. The operation of this company requires attention to detail. The military operation was a success.
functions	Functions refer to actions or activities that are complex and have specific roles or purposes, often within systems, organizations, or machinery. One of the main functions of the HR department is recruitment. The function of this button is to start the machine.
processes	Processes typically refer to a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. They imply a systematic, often repetitive sequence. The hiring process can take several weeks. The process of making bread involves several stages.
jobs	Jobs refer to paid positions of regular employment or specific pieces of work, sometimes short-term or casual. It can also mean responsibilities or tasks assigned to a person. He has a job at the local supermarket. My job for today is to clean the office.

Examples of usage

The program is designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Each task in the system is assigned a priority level.
Tasks can be automated to streamline the workflow.
Managing tasks efficiently is crucial for system performance.
The system crashed due to an overload of tasks.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies suggest that breaking a large project into smaller tasks can significantly reduce anxiety and improve productivity.
Research shows that completing tasks releases dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good and encourages you to keep going.
The act of writing down tasks helps clarify thought processes and enables greater focus, known as the Zeigarnik Effect.

Time Management

Prioritizing tasks using methods like Eisenhower Box helps separate what is urgent vs. important for better efficiency.
The Pomodoro Technique encourages working on a single task for a set time followed by breaks, enhancing concentration and energy.
To-do lists, a common tool, can boost motivation and provide a sense of accomplishment once tasks are checked off.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, tasks may be structured in rituals, emphasizing communal responsibility and collective achievement.
Different societies view the importance of tasks through various lenses, such as individualism versus collectivism, affecting how work is approached.
In many modern workplaces, task delegation is seen as essential to teamwork, reflecting trust and collaboration among coworkers.

Technology

The rise of task management apps like Asana and Trello has transformed how people organize their daily responsibilities.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to help prioritize tasks based on personal work habits and deadlines.
Gamification in task completion turns mundane activities into fun challenges, encouraging engagement through rewards.

Origin of 'tasks'

Main points about word origin

The word 'task' comes from the Latin 'taxare', which means to touch or handle, which evolved into the idea of handling duties.
In Middle English, 'taske' referred to a job assigned, showing the historical link to work and responsibility.
Old French influenced the word with 'tasque', emphasizing its role in expressing duties and obligations.

The word 'tasks' originated from Middle English 'taske' which meant a piece of work assigned or done as a test. It was derived from Old North French 'tasque' meaning a task or imposed labor. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass various types of activities and assignments, reflecting the changing nature of work and productivity.

See also: multitasker, overtask, taskbar, taskmaster.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,735, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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