Task Meaning

UK /tɑːsk/
US /tæsk/
Word Definition
task meaning

Task Definition & Usage

noun

A specific piece of work or duty that needs to be completed.

Examples

  • "She was given the task of organizing the event."
  • "His main task was to review the documents by the end of the week."
  • "They finished the task early, impressing the manager."
  • "The task at hand requires attention to detail."
  • "He struggles to manage his tasks effectively."
verb

To assign or give a particular job or responsibility to someone.

Examples

  • "I was tasked with preparing the presentation."
  • "She was tasked to lead the team through the project."
  • "The teacher tasked the students with reading the chapter for homework."
  • "They tasked him with finding a solution to the problem."
  • "He was tasked with cleaning up after the event."

Cultural Context

The word 'task' has been used since the Middle Ages, derived from the Old French 'tasque,' which meant 'duty' or 'work.' It has been a central concept in both everyday life and formal settings like work or education, symbolizing the work or duties individuals need to complete.

The Great Task Assignment

Story

The Great Task Assignment

In the small town of Maplewood, there was always a lot to do. Clara, the local event coordinator, had just been tasked with organizing the annual festival. The task seemed simple at first: arrange for food, music, and activities. But as the deadline loomed closer, she realized it was much more complex than she had anticipated. Her first task was to set up the committee. Clara quickly assigned specific tasks to her team members: Mark would be responsible for the venue, Sarah would manage the vendors, and Alex would handle the entertainment. But as the days passed, she found herself juggling multiple tasks at once. One minute, she was negotiating with a food vendor, the next she was making sure the sound equipment was working. As the festival day approached, Clara was tasked with making sure everything ran smoothly. Her team worked hard, and with each task completed, they felt a sense of accomplishment. However, one critical task remained: ensuring the weather would cooperate. On the day of the event, a storm rolled in. Clara had no choice but to act quickly, tasking her team with setting up an indoor venue in record time. Despite the challenges, Clara and her team completed the task they had been given. The festival was a success, and the entire town celebrated the completion of their task with a sense of pride. The story demonstrates multiple uses of the word 'task'—as something assigned, as a duty to be fulfilled, and as a responsibility that requires collaboration and effort. Clara's journey shows how tasks can shift in complexity and scale, as well as how multiple tasks can be worked on simultaneously in order to achieve a larger goal.

The Great Task Assignment