C1noun2K

Delegate

UK /["/ˈdelɪɡət/"]/US /["/ˈdelɪɡət/"]/

Definition

a person who is chosen or elected to represent the views of a group of people and vote and make decisions for them

In simple words: To give someone else the responsibility to do a task.

Examples

  • Congress delegates rejected the proposals.
  • The delegates voted to support the resolution.
  • a delegate from the local Labour party
  • the British delegate to the United Nations
  • The conference was attended by delegates from 56 countries.
  • They decided not to send a delegate to the conference.

Usage notes

Often used in professional settings to describe assigning tasks to team members. Be careful not to over-delegate, as this can lead to a lack of accountability.

Grammar pattern

delegate + object + to + person

Memory hint

Think of 'delegate' as 'delegate a task' — passing it down like a baton in a relay race.

Collocations

  • conference
  • congress
  • convention
  • choose
  • elect
  • select
  • attend (something)
  • approve
  • vote (on something)
  • delegate from
  • delegate to

Synonyms

  • assign
  • appoint
  • entrust
  • allocate
  • devolve

Antonyms

  • retain
  • keep
  • control

Common mistakes

  • Using 'delegate' as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Confusing 'delegate' with 'delegate' as a person.
  • Omitting the 'to' before the person's name.