delegated
/ˈdɛl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tɪd/
verb (past participle/adjective)
Origin
Latin
de- + legare — away + to send/depute
Overview
Meaning Now
- Entrusted (a task or responsibility) to another person, typically one who is less senior than oneself.
- Sent or authorized (a person) to act as a representative or agent.
Literal older meaning
sent away as a representative
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
delegat-
Earliest period
late 14th century
Journey
The root of the word comes from the Latin 'legare' (to send with a commission, bequeath), which is also the source of 'legacy' and 'legate'. Historically, it implied a formal transfer of power or mission from one person to a subordinate.
Evolution
- Latin
delegatus
“sent as a deputy”
Past participle of delegare.
- Middle French
déléguer
“to appoint or assign”
- Early Modern English
delegate
“to commission or send as a deputy”
Connections
Word parts
de-
prefix
away
leg
root
send or appoint
-ate
suffix
forms a verb/adjective
-ed
ending
past tense marker
Related across languages
French
délégué
delegated person
Spanish
delegado
delegated
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Related to delegated
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.