The term 'task-centered' is a compound word formed from 'task' and 'centered', where 'task' originates from Middle English 'taske', derived from Old North French 'tasque', and 'centered' comes from the word 'center', which has Latin roots in 'centrum'.

'Task' evolved from the Old North French 'tasque', while 'centered' developed from the Latin 'centrum', eventually forming the modern English compound 'task-centered'.

Initially, 'task' referred to a piece of work to be done, and 'centered' meant focused or concentrated. The compound 'task-centered' has retained this meaning, emphasizing focus on specific tasks.