Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Delegate" (January 14, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day features the word “delegate.” The main purpose is to expand listeners’ vocabulary by exploring both the verb and noun forms of “delegate,” its usage, etymology, and related words, all conveyed in an accessible and educational tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Usage (00:06–00:54)

• "Delegate" as a Verb:
  • To delegate means to trust someone else with control, responsibility, authority, or a job/duty.
  • Illustrative Sentence:
    "Principals shuttle back and forth, sometimes multiple times a day, or divide their schedule between mornings and afternoons, or alternate full days at each school. When they're off site, they must formally delegate authority, but parents and teachers say it's not always clear who holds decision making power."

2. Historical Context and Etymology (00:55–01:20)

• Origin:
  • "Delegate" comes from Latin legare, meaning "to send as an envoy, a messenger, or representative."
• Noun vs. Verb Forms:
  • Delegate as a noun (a person chosen to act for others) entered English in the 14th century.
  • The verb form appeared in the 16th century.
• Pronunciation Note:
  • The verb “delegate” rhymes with “relegate.”
  • The noun “delegate” rhymes with the same word, that is, both are pronounced identically.

3. Related Words (01:21–01:37)

• Other descendants of Latin legare:
  • Legacy
  • Colleague
  • Relegate
  • Legate (an official representative sent to a foreign country)

4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Meaning of Delegation (00:12):
  "To delegate something such as control, responsibility, authority, or a job or duty is to trust someone else with it."
  — Peter Sokolowski

• On Etymology (01:06):
  "It's a descendant of the Latin word legare, meaning to send as an envoy, a messenger, or representative."
  — Peter Sokolowski

• On Usage in Practice (00:24):
  "When they're off site, they must formally delegate authority, but parents and teachers say it's not always clear who holds decision making power."
  — Peter Sokolowski (quoting an example sentence)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:06 – Introduction of the word "delegate" and spelling
• 00:12 – Definition and explanation as a verb
• 00:24 – Example sentence in contemporary context
• 00:55 – Explanation of origin and derivation
• 01:06 – Historical arrival into English
• 01:21 – Related words from the same root
• 01:37 – Host sign-off

Tone and Style

Peter Sokolowski delivers the segment with an educational yet conversational tone, making complex etymological details accessible and engaging for daily language learners.

Summary

This episode explores “delegate” through clear definitions, modern examples, a brief historical journey, pronunciation notes, and related vocabulary, helping listeners incorporate the word confidently into their own communication.

With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. [01:37]