What does a delegate mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdɛlɪɡeɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A delegate is a person chosen or appointed to represent others at an event, meeting, or conference. A delegate may also refer to a person authorized to act on behalf of another in a specific situation.

Examples

• The company sent a delegate to the business conference to negotiate a deal.
• She was chosen as a delegate for her school to attend the student leaders’ summit.

Synonyms

• Representative
• Proxy
• Ambassador

Antonyms

• Principal
• Decision-maker

Additional Information

Delegates are often chosen for their expertise, experience, or ability to represent the interests of a particular group or organization. In some cases, delegates may be authorized to make decisions on behalf of the group they represent. Delegates can be found in various contexts, including business, politics, and education.

In business, delegates may be sent to conferences or meetings to negotiate deals or represent the company’s interests. In politics, delegates may be chosen to represent their constituents at a national or international level. In education, delegates may be selected to represent their school or university at student conferences or competitions.

Being a delegate can be a valuable experience, as it provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, network with others, and gain exposure to new ideas and perspectives. However, it also comes with responsibilities, such as representing the interests of the group and making decisions that may impact others.

Etymology

The word “delegate” comes from the Latin “delegare,” which means “to send on a mission” or “to entrust to another.” The word has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a person authorized to act on behalf of another.

Usage Notes

When using the word “delegate,” it is essential to consider the context in which it is being used. In formal situations, such as business or politics, the word may imply a high level of authority or responsibility. In informal situations, such as social gatherings or community events, the word may be used more loosely to refer to someone who is representing a group or organization.

Cultural References

The concept of delegation is often referenced in popular culture, particularly in movies and television shows that depict business or political settings. For example, the TV show “The Office” features a character named Dwight Schrute, who is often referred to as a delegate for the Dunder Mifflin paper company.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “delegate” include “delegate authority,” “delegate responsibility,” and “delegate tasks.” These phrases are often used in business or management contexts to refer to the process of assigning tasks or responsibilities to others.

Related Words or Phrases

• Representative
• Proxy
• Ambassador
• Agent

Collocations

• Delegate authority
• Delegate responsibility
• Delegate tasks
• Delegate power

Frequency of Use

The word “delegate” is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, particularly in business, politics, and education. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “delegate” is used approximately 1.5 times per million words.

Common Misspellings

• Delegit
• Delegte
• Delegete
• Deleget