delegate

What does “delegate” mean?

verb.to entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to management, leadership, or organizational dynamics, emphasizing the importance of sharing responsibilities to enhance efficiency. It suggests a strategic decision-making process, distinguishing it from simply assigning tasks, as it implies trust in others' abilities to execute the delegated duties effectively.

Common Confusions

Delegate implies entrusting responsibility to someone else with confidence in their abilities, while assign usually suggests simply designating a task without necessarily implying trust or empowerment.

Example Sentences

• The manager delegated the task to a capable assistant.

• In order to manage the ambitious project effectively, she chose to delegate specific tasks to her team members based on their strengths.

Word Parts: How to Remember “delegate”

Break “delegate” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: de- down, away, un- (Latin)