task

task — noun

1. an activity or job that a person needs to do, especially one that is difficult o

1.nounA2
Definition

an activity or job that a person needs to do, especially one that is difficult or has to be finished by a particular time

Example

Devika's first task at her new school was to find the library.

The teacher gave the class a task to finish before Friday.

collocation: give someone a task

Common collocations
  • difficult task
  • easy task
  • main task
  • simple task
  • daily task
  • set someone a task
  • carry out a task
  • complete a task
Synonyms
  • job

    more general; a task is often a specific piece of work within a job

  • assignment

    usually given by a teacher or employer, with a clear deadline

  • chore

    a small, routine task, often done at home and usually boring

  • duty

    a task that you must do because it is morally or legally required

Grammar Patterns

task + of + -ing

adjective + task

Common Mistakes

My task of the day is reading.
My task for the day is reading.
Use 'for' not 'of' to indicate the time frame of a task.

2. a harsh criticism or telling-off that someone receives for doing something wrong

2.nounC1
Definition

a harsh criticism or telling-off that someone receives for doing something wrong

Example

After the failed project, the manager gave Chidi a harsh tasking in front of the team.

collocation: give someone a tasking (reprimand)

Dewi got a real tasking from her mother for coming home after midnight.

Common collocations
  • give someone a tasking
  • get a tasking
  • receive a tasking
Synonyms
  • reprimand

    more formal and common in official contexts

  • scolding

    more common with parents and children; slightly softer

  • telling-off

    informal, very common in British English

Grammar Patterns

give + someone + a tasking

get + a tasking

Usage Note

This sense is most common in the phrase 'give someone a tasking' or in the idiom 'take someone to task'. Outside of these patterns, it is rare in modern English.

Common Mistakes

My boss tasked me angrily.' (confusing with verb sense)
My boss gave me a real tasking.
Use 'give someone a tasking' for the reprimand meaning, not 'task' as a verb.
Idioms

take someone to task

idiom

to criticize someone angrily for something they have done wrong

The teacher took the whole class to task for not handing in their homework on time.

Beatriz took her brother to task for borrowing her car without asking first.

take somebody to task (for/over something)

idiom

To strongly criticize someone because of something they did.

The teacher took Sara to task for not finishing her homework.

Did the manager take Diego to task over the late report?

task — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Task' refers to a specific piece of work that needs to be done, often with a clear goal or deadline. 'Job' is broader — it can refer to your paid employment or any piece of work ('It's your job to lock the door'). 'Chore' is a small, boring task you do regularly, especially around the house ('washing the dishes is a chore'). 'Duty' suggests a moral or legal obligation ('jury duty', 'a parent's duty'). 'Assignment' is a task given by a teacher or employer, usually with a set deadline ('a history assignment'). For everyday use: if it's a quick, boring house task, use 'chore'; if it's work given by a boss or teacher with a deadline, use 'task' or 'assignment'; if it's something you must do because it's right, use 'duty'.

task ↗job ↗chore ↗duty ↗assignment ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • set a task
  • carry out a task
  • complete a task
  • take on a task
  • be faced with a task

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'task' entered English through Old French 'tasque' (a piece of work to be done), which came from Medieval Latin 'tasca' (a tax or duty). The Latin root 'taxare' originally meant 'to evaluate or assess,' and its sense shifted from 'assessing a tax' to 'assigning a piece of work.' The verb form 'to task someone with something' appeared in English around the 16th century.