Remit Meaning and Definition
Remit
Pronunciation
/rɛˈmit/
Part of Speech
Verb & Noun
Definition
A remit is a task, duty, or responsibility assigned to someone or something, often involving a specific area of administration, government, or authority. It can also refer to the limits of competence or jurisdiction of a person, department, or institution.
Examples
1. “The local council received a remit to oversee the development of the new community center.”
2. “The new employee was given a clear remit to handle customer complaints and resolve issues efficiently.”
Synonyms
1. Assignment
2. Mandate
3. Jurisdiction
Antonyms
1. Interference
2. Override
Additional Information
Remits can be formal or informal, and they may be used in a variety of contexts, including government, business, education, and healthcare. Understanding the remit of a particular individual or organization is essential for effective communication and collaboration. In some cases, the remit of a person or department may be ambiguous or unclear, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. To avoid these issues, it is crucial to clearly define and communicate the remit of each party involved.
Remits can also be subject to change over time, and individuals or organizations may need to adapt to new responsibilities or limitations. In such cases, it is essential to review and update the remit as needed to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.
The concept of remit is closely related to other ideas such as job description, scope of work, and line of authority. By understanding the remit of an individual or organization, you can better navigate complex systems and make informed decisions.
Remits can also be used in financial contexts, such as remitting funds or exchanging currencies. In this sense, the word refers to the act of sending or transferring money, goods, or services from one person or place to another.
Overall, the concept of remit is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making in various contexts.
Etymology
The word “remit” comes from the Old French word “remettre,” which means “to send back.” This word is derived from the Latin “remittere,” which means “to send back” or “to transfer.” Over time, the meaning of the word “remit” has evolved to encompass a broader range of ideas, including tasks, duties, and responsibilities.
Usage Notes
The word “remit” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it is often used in official documents, such as contracts or policies, to describe the scope of a person’s or organization’s responsibilities. In informal writing, such as emails or text messages, it may be used more loosely to describe a task or duty.
When using the word “remit” in a sentence, it is essential to consider the context and the relationship between the people or organizations involved. For example, “The CEO has a remit to oversee the company’s operations” implies a clear line of authority and responsibility, while “The team has a remit to develop a new product” suggests a more specific task or goal.
Cultural References
The word “remit” has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro, the character Stevens is described as having a remit to oversee the operations of a British country estate.
In the TV show “The West Wing,” the character Toby Ziegler is given a remit to develop a new policy initiative. This reference highlights the word’s usage in formal, official contexts.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Beyond one’s remit” – meaning outside the scope of one’s responsibilities or authority.
2. “In one’s remit” – meaning within the scope of one’s responsibilities or authority.
Collocations
1. “Receiving a remit to…” – meaning to be given a task or duty to perform.
2. “Exceeding one’s remit” – meaning to go beyond the scope of one’s responsibilities or authority.
Frequency of Use
The word “remit” is not as commonly used as some other words in English, but it is still widely used in various contexts, particularly in formal writing and official communication.
A search of the Corpus of Contemporary American English reveals that the word “remit” is used in around 0.05% of all written texts, indicating a relatively low frequency of use.
Common Misspellings
1. “Remise”
2. “Remeit”
3. “Remite”