What does delegate mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɪˈleɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To give authority or power to someone to do something, especially to make decisions or take actions on one’s behalf.

Examples

• The manager delegated tasks to her team members to ensure timely completion.
• The CEO delegated decision-making authority to the department heads.

Synonyms

• Entrust
• Authorize

Antonyms

• Take responsibility
• Assume control

Additional Information

Delegation is an important aspect of effective leadership, as it allows individuals to focus on high-priority tasks while still maintaining control and accountability. Effective delegators must set clear goals, expectations, and boundaries to ensure successful outcomes. Delegation can also help to build trust and empower team members, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

In business, delegation is often used to assign tasks to team members or subordinates, allowing the leader to focus on strategic decision-making or high-level tasks. However, delegation can also be a two-way street, with team members delegating tasks to leaders or peers in order to share responsibilities or gain guidance.

Etymology

The word “delegate” comes from the Old French “delegare,” meaning “to send off” or “to dispatch.” This term was derived from the Latin “delegare,” which is a combination of “de” (meaning “from” or “away”) and “legare” (meaning “to send” or “to dispatch”).

Usage Notes

In formal settings, such as business or government, delegation is often used to convey authority and accountability. However, in informal settings, such as personal relationships or social contexts, delegation may be used more casually or loosely.

Cultural References

• The term “delegate” is used extensively in business and management literature, with many books and articles exploring the concept of effective delegation.
• The movie “The Devil Wears Prada” features a character who delegates tasks to her subordinates in a demanding and high-pressure work environment.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Delegate and empower” – a phrase often used to describe the importance of giving authority to team members.
• “Pass the buck” – a phrase that means to delegate responsibility or avoid taking blame.

Related Words or Phrases

• Authorize
• Entrust
• Empower

Collocations

• Delegate responsibility
• Delegate tasks
• Delegate decision-making authority

Frequency of Use

The word “delegate” is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, including business, government, and personal relationships. It is estimated that the word “delegate” appears in approximately 1 in 500 spoken language instances.

Common Misspellings

• Deleagate
• Delegit