depute
C1Formal, Legal, Administrative
Definition
Meaning
to give someone else (a task, duty, or authority) that is properly your own; to appoint as a substitute.
To assign or delegate authority, responsibility, or a task to another person, often in an official or formal capacity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a formal transfer of authority or responsibility, often temporary. Not commonly used in casual conversation. Most frequently used in the passive voice (e.g., 'was deputed to'). The related noun 'deputy' is far more common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb is rare in both varieties but retains a slight preference in formal British administrative/legal contexts. The noun form 'deputy' is standard in both.
Connotations
Formal, official, bureaucratic. Can imply a hierarchical relationship.
Frequency
Very low-frequency in general usage. More likely encountered in historical texts, legal documents, or formal organizational language than in contemporary speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (Subject deputes Object to-infinitive)SVO (Subject deputes Object as NP)Passive: S be deputed to-infinitiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'depute' as a verb.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO deputed the negotiation authority to the regional director during her absence.
Academic
The researcher deputed the data collection to her assistant while she focused on analysis.
Everyday
Rarely used. More common: 'I asked my colleague to handle it.'
Technical
The system allows a senior administrator to depute specific access rights to junior staff.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The manager was formally deputed to sign the contracts.
- She deputed her responsibilities to her second-in-command during her maternity leave.
American English
- The board deputed authority to the committee to make interim decisions.
- He was deputed as the acting head of the department.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The depute prosecutor led the case. (Chiefly Scottish legal usage)
American English
- (Adjectival use is virtually non-existent in AmE)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The director deputed the daily supervision to his assistant.
- Who has been deputed to lead the project in her stead?
- Parliament deputed the committee with the power to summon witnesses.
- The complex task of drafting the treaty was deputed to a seasoned diplomat.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DEPUTY sheriff. To DEPUTE is to make someone your deputy by giving them your duties.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS AN OBJECT THAT CAN BE TRANSFERRED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'deputize' (which is more common in AmE for the act of appointing a deputy) or 'substitute'. The direct Russian cognate 'депутировать' is extremely rare; use 'делегировать (полномочия)', 'назначать (заместителем)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'depute' in casual contexts instead of 'ask' or 'get'.
- Confusing 'depute' (verb) with 'deputy' (noun).
- Incorrect: 'I will depute this work for you.' Correct: 'I will depute you to do this work.' or 'I will depute this work to you.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'depute' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal verb. The noun 'deputy' is far more common in everyday language.
'Depute' is the most formal and implies official authorization. 'Delegate' is common in business/organizational contexts. 'Assign' is general and neutral, used for tasks or roles.
Yes, but it's less common. E.g., 'The minister deputed her to conduct the inquiry.' The passive ('She was deputed to...') is more frequent.
Using it in informal situations where simpler verbs like 'ask', 'get', or 'put in charge' are more natural and expected.