deputation
C1Formal, official, administrative
Definition
Meaning
A group of people appointed or elected to represent others, typically to present a case, make a request, or conduct negotiations.
The act of deputing or appointing such a group; the status or mission of being a delegate.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a formal, official mandate. The group is usually sent to an authority or superior body. Can refer to both the group itself (countable) and the concept/act (uncountable).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English, especially in political, trade union, and local government contexts. In American English, 'delegation' is strongly preferred in most contexts.
Connotations
In British usage, can carry connotations of formal grievance or petitioning (e.g., trade union deputation to management). In both varieties, it suggests a degree of formality and purpose.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both, but significantly higher in UK English. American speakers may find it somewhat archaic or overly formal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
deputation from [group/organisation]deputation to [person/body]deputation of [representatives]deputation led by [person]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Functions as a standard noun.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formal meetings where staff representatives meet senior management.
Academic
Historical or political science texts discussing representative government or petitioning.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in local news about community groups meeting officials.
Technical
Legal or constitutional contexts referring to the devolution of authority.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The workers chose a deputation to talk to the boss.
- A deputation from the village asked for a new bus stop.
- The council agreed to receive a deputation of local residents concerned about the planning application.
- The trade union sent a deputation to the headquarters to negotiate the pay dispute.
- The minister was confronted by a deputation of backbench MPs demanding a change in policy.
- Historically, the right to petition the monarch via deputation was a crucial constitutional principle.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DEPUTY (someone given authority) leading an ATION (a group action). A deputation is a group of deputies on a mission.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE MESSENGERS / REPRESENTATION IS SENDING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend with 'депутация' (deputatsiya), which is archaic/rare. The common Russian equivalent is 'делегация' (delegatsiya).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'deputation' for a single person (it's a group).
- Confusing it with 'deputy' (an individual).
- Using in informal contexts where 'group' or 'representatives' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is the closest synonym for 'deputation' in formal British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many contexts, yes, especially in British English. However, 'delegation' is broader and more common. 'Deputation' often implies a specific, formal mission to a higher authority.
No. A deputation refers to a group of people acting as representatives. A single person would be a 'deputy' or 'delegate'.
No, it is quite rare in American English. 'Delegation' is the standard term used in almost all equivalent contexts.
A committee is a standing group for ongoing business. A deputation is specifically sent to another person or body for a particular purpose, after which it disbands or completes its task.