Task

Meaning

(noun) A piece of work done as part of one’s duties.
(noun) A difficult or tedious undertaking.
(noun) An objective.
(noun) A process or execution of a program. “The user killed the frozen task.”
(verb) To assign a task to, or impose a task on. “On my first day in the office, I was tasked with sorting a pile of invoices.”
(verb) To oppress with severe or excessive burdens; to tax.
(verb) To charge, as with a fault.
(noun) Second sight; the involuntary ability of seeing the future or distant events.
(noun) The sound of the voice of a person about to die, heard supernaturally by somebody not present at the scene.

About this word

The precise origin is debated, but the term likely emerged in the context of labor and duties from earlier vernaculars. As a noun, it refers to a piece of work or duty that one is assigned or expected to complete, often with a sense of obligation. In its verb form, it indicates the act of assigning or performing such work. Both forms convey a sense of responsibility and purpose in daily activities.

Commonly used in various professional settings, 'task' appears frequently in project management, education, and even everyday chores. Phrases like 'task list' and 'assigned tasks' illustrate its practical application in organizing work. In a classroom, a teacher might say, "Please complete the assigned task by Friday," emphasizing the expectation attached to the word.

In word games, 'task' scores 8 points in Scrabble, making it a viable option for players seeking to maximize their scores. It is eligible for Wordle, containing four letters with one vowel, which fits the game’s requirements. Players can also form sub-words like 'ask' and 'sat' from its letters, useful for strategizing in word puzzles.

The term traces back to Middle English, with influences from Old French and possibly Latin. It has retained its core meaning throughout the centuries, evolving alongside the changing nature of work and responsibilities. The plural form is 'tasks', and common variants include 'tasking' as the gerund. Misspellings often arise from confusion between 'task' and similar words like 'tusk' or 'mask', where the initial consonant can mislead. Understanding its usage in both formal and informal contexts can enhance clarity in communication.

Using Task in a sentence

I have a long task list to complete before the meeting.
Completing this task will help us move closer to our project's goals.
In the office, employees are often assigned tasks based on their skill sets.
As the manager said, 'Every task is an opportunity for growth.'

Origin of Task

The precise origin is debated, but 'task' likely derives from Middle English, influenced by Old French 'tasque'. It historically referred to a duty or assignment, with its meaning remaining largely consistent over the centuries. The evolution of the word reflects the changing dynamics of work throughout various periods. Its usage today encompasses both formal and informal contexts, indicating tasks of varying importance.

Synonyms

Letter breakdown

Task contains 4 letters: 1 vowel(s) and 3 consonant(s).
It uses 4 unique letters.
Estimated syllable count: 1.
Scrabble-style letter score: 8.

Connected words

Words from these letters

Reader questions

What does Task mean?

A piece of work done as part of one’s duties.

How many letters are in Task?

Task has 4 letters.

What are the different forms of the word 'task'?

The plural form is 'tasks', and the verb conjugates to 'tasking' or 'tasked' in different tenses. In addition, it can be used in various contexts, such as a task assignment.

Are there common misspellings of 'task'?

Common misspellings include 'taks' and 'tasc', often due to confusion with similar-sounding words. The placement of the 'k' and 's' can trip people up.

Is 'task' considered formal or informal?

'Task' is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in professional settings, such as project management, as well as casual conversations.

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