Words / B2

DEL-ig-ayt/ˈdelɪɡeɪt/

To delegate is to give part of your work or authority to someone else: delegate tasks, delegate responsibility. Pass on and give are everyday; a delegate as a noun is a person sent to a meeting (stress: /ˈdelɪɡət/). Delegation is the noun. In speech, give someone else the job is enough. Do not delegate blame without the authority, and do not use the verb for merely telling someone the news.

Meaning

To give part of your work or authority to someone else.

Examples

• “A good manager delegates routine tasks.”
• “She delegated the bookings to a deputy and kept the budget herself.”
• “A good chair delegates speaking time; a poor one dumps the minutes and disappears.”

Good to know

Pass work/authority to someone else. Everyday: give someone else the job. Noun: a delegate (person sent); delegation. Not merely telling news.

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