Definition of Delegate
Quick Meaning of Delegate
To give someone else a job or responsibility that you normally do. You stay responsible but they do the work.
Detailed Definition of Delegate
To entrust or assign a task, responsibility, or authority to another person, especially someone who is subordinate or junior.
How to Pronounce Delegate
Stress pattern: ooO (3-syllable word).
Tip: VERB: del-uh-GATE (stress the third syllable: del-uh-GATE). NOUN: DEL-uh-gate (stress the first syllable). This is a rare case where stress changes the meaning.
Watch out: Learners often don't distinguish verb pronunciation (DEL-uh-GATE) from noun (DEL-uh-gate). Verb has stress on the last syllable; noun on the first.
Origin and Etymology of Delegate
From Latin 'delegare' (to send away, assign). 'De-' (away) + 'legare' (to send, appoint). Entered English in the 15th century from diplomatic and administrative contexts. The noun 'delegate' (a representative) comes from the same root.
How to Use Delegate in a Sentence
Each example shows “delegate” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
-
“The manager decided to delegate the project to her senior team member.”
-
“Good leaders know how to delegate tasks effectively.”
-
“I'm going to delegate this responsibility to you because you're qualified.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Delegate
Common Synonyms for Delegate
Smart Synonyms for Delegate — When to Use Each
- assign
- Direct allocation of task without personal trust element
- entrust
- Emphasizes trust and reliance on the other person
- hand over
- More informal; suggests transferring control completely
Common Collocations with Delegate
These phrases pair with “delegate” in everyday English:
- delegate a task
- delegate responsibility
- delegate authority
- delegate to someone
- delegate effectively
Common Mistakes When Using Delegate
Even fluent speakers slip up with “delegate”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The manager delegated the project for me.
- ✓ Correct: The manager delegated the project to me.
- Why: Use 'delegate TO' not 'delegate FOR'. 'To' shows direction of responsibility transfer.
- ✗ Wrong: She delegated to analyze the data.
- ✓ Correct: She delegated the analysis of the data. OR She delegated analyzing the data to a team member.
- Why: Don't use 'delegate to + infinitive'. Use 'delegate + noun/gerund'.
- ✗ Wrong: The tasks were delegated by the manager.
- ✓ Correct: The tasks were delegated by the manager to the team.
- Why: In passive voice, specify WHO receives the delegated tasks with 'to'.
Other Forms of Delegate
- Noun: delegate (person who represents)
- Verb: delegate
Frequently Asked Questions About Delegate
What is the meaning of "Delegate"?
To give someone else a job or responsibility that you normally do. You stay responsible but they do the work.
How do you pronounce "Delegate"?
The IPA is /ˈdɛləˌɡeɪt/. VERB: del-uh-GATE (stress the third syllable: del-uh-GATE). NOUN: DEL-uh-gate (stress the first syllable). This is a rare case where stress changes the meaning.
What part of speech is "Delegate"?
"Delegate" is a verb at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Delegate"?
Common synonyms include assign, entrust, transfer.
How do you use "Delegate" in a sentence?
For example: "The manager decided to delegate the project to her senior team member."