Langimage
English

relegate

|rel/e/gate|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈrɛlɪˌɡeɪt/

🇬🇧

/ˈrɛlɪɡeɪt/

assign to a lower rank

Etymology
Etymology Information

'relegate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'relegare,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'legare' meant 'to send.'

Historical Evolution

'relegare' transformed into the French word 'reléguer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'relegate' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to send away or exile,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'assigning to a lower position or rank.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to assign to a lower position or rank.

The manager decided to relegate the underperforming employee to a less critical role.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to refer or assign a matter to another person or group for decision or action.

The committee decided to relegate the issue to a subcommittee for further investigation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/17 06:36