Commission

Definition

Commission is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the act of granting authority, a task or order, or a percentage-based fee paid for services or sales. As a verb, it means to authorize or assign a person or group to complete a task or create a work.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˈmɪʃən/
• Respelling: kuh-MISH-uhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˈmɪʃən/
• Respelling: kuh-MISH-uhn

The pronunciation of "commission" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "commission" originates from the Latin "commissio," meaning "entrusting" or "delegating." It was adopted into Old French as "commission," and then into Middle English with similar meanings related to authorizing tasks and delegating responsibility.

Derivatives

• Commissioner (noun)
• Commissary (noun)
• Commissioned (adjective)
• Committal (noun)
• Decommission (verb)

Synonyms

• Mandate
• Authorization
• Fee

Antonyms

• Revocation
• Prohibition
• Dismissal

Usage

The term "commission" is used in various contexts, such as "She received a commission to create a painting" (authorization) or "He earns a commission for every sale he makes" (fee). It can also refer to delegating authority, as in "The officer was commissioned into the army."

Related Terms

• Assignment: A specific task or responsibility given to someone.
• Contract: A formal agreement to perform a specific task or service.
• Agency: An organization that provides services or acts on behalf of others, often through a commission.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An authorization or order to complete a specific task: Refers to formally assigning a responsibility or duty.
  • Example: "The artist received a commission for a mural in the city park."
• A fee paid as a percentage of a sale or service: Often used in sales or service industries as compensation.
  • Example: "She receives a 10% commission on each sale."
• An official group assigned to investigate or oversee an issue: Refers to a group established by authority to address a specific matter.
  • Example: "The government set up a commission to investigate the issue."

Verb

• To authorize or assign someone to complete a task: Used to designate or empower a person or group to carry out work.
  • Example: "The company commissioned an engineer to design the new facility."
• To bring into active service: Used in a military context to denote a formal entry into active duty.
  • Example: "He was commissioned as an officer in the Navy."