task

¹task

noun \ˈtask\

Definition of TASK

1

a : a usually assigned piece of work often to be finished within a certain time b : something hard or unpleasant that has to be done c : duty, function

2

: subjection to adverse criticism : reprimand —used in the expressions to take, call, or bring to task

Examples of TASK

1. Our first task is to review the budget.
2. <one of my tasks in the morning is to make lunches for everyone in the family>

Origin of TASK

Middle English taske, from Middle French dialect (Picardy, Flanders) tasque, from Medieval Latin tasca tax or service imposed by a feudal superior, alteration of *taxa, from taxare to tax

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TASK

Synonyms: assignment, duty, job, chore

Related Words: chare (or char); endeavor, enterprise, project, stint, undertaking; care, charge, commission, responsibility; function, mission, office, operation, post; errand; circuit, round, route

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Synonym Discussion of TASK

task, duty, job, chore, stint, assignment mean a piece of work to be done. task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance <charged with a variety of tasks>. duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance <the duties of a lifeguard>. job applies to a piece of work voluntarily performed; it may sometimes suggest difficulty or importance <the job of turning the company around>. chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm <every child was assigned chores>. stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service <a 2-month stint as a reporter>. assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority <a reporter's assignment>.

Rhymes with TASK

ask, bask, Basque, cask, casque, flask, mask, masque, Pasch, Rask