Delegate

Noun

Definition: A person sent or authorized to represent others, especially an elected representative at a conference or meeting.

Synonyms: Representative, Envoy, Spokesperson, Ambassador

Antonyms: Constituent, Member

Examples:

The delegate from the United States presented their country's position on the issue.
She was chosen as a delegate to attend the international summit.

Mnemonics:

"Delegate" sounds like "delegation," which is the act of entrusting authority to someone else to represent a group.

Verb

Definition: To entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person.

Definition: To appoint or send (someone) as a representative.

Synonyms: Assign, Transfer, Allocate, Consign

Antonyms: Retain, Keep, Withhold

Examples:

The manager decided to delegate the project to her team members.
The CEO delegated the task of negotiating the contract to his assistant.

Mnemonics:

"Delegate" can be thought of as "delegating" or giving a task to someone else to handle.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin 'delegatus', past participle of 'delegare', from 'de-' (from) + 'legare' (appoint, depute).

Historical Usage:

The term "delegate" originated from Latin and entered the English language in the 15th century. It has been used throughout history to refer to a person appointed to act on behalf of others in various contexts.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Delegate authority/responsibility"

Explanation:

To give another person the power or duty to make decisions or perform certain tasks on one's behalf.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing the verb form "delegate" (to entrust) with the noun form "delegate" (a representative).

Explanation:

The word "delegate" can have different meanings depending on its usage as a verb or noun. It is important to distinguish between the two to understand its intended meaning in a given context.