Assignation Meaning and Definition
Assignation
Pronunciation
/əsˌaɪnˈeɪʃn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A formal or official agreement to meet, meet someone, or perform a task at a specific time and place.
Examples
- I have an assignation with John at the library at 3 pm.
- She cancelled our assignation at the last minute due to a personal emergency.
- He was worried about our assignation and didn’t know if he could make it.
- She never arrived at our assignation, leaving me feeling confused.
- I got stuck in traffic and arrived late to our assignation, apologizing profusely.
- The email mentioned an assignation with the potential client for next Thursday.
Etymology
The word “assignation” originates from the Old French word “assignier,” meaning “to assign” or “to appoint.” Over time, the term evolved to refer to a formal agreement or scheduled meeting.
Usage Notes
When using the word “assignation,” it’s essential to specify the time and place of the meeting. Assumptions can be misleading, and it’s crucial to establish the details before the event.
Cultural References
In literature, “assignation” has been referenced in works such as Oscar Wilde’s play “A Woman of No Importance” and the novel “Les Liaisons dangereuses” by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Meet at an assignation
- Make an assignation
- Cancel an assignation
Related Words or Phrases
- Appointment
- Scheduling
- Meeting
- Encounter
Collocations
- Assignation with
- Make an assignation for
- Cancel an assignation at
- Arrive late to an assignation
Frequency of Use
“Assignation” is moderately used in formal and professional contexts, particularly in the corporate world and government agencies.
Common Misspellings
- Assignmnt
- Assingation
- Assignasion