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as·sign·ment

As•sign•ment.

An assignment is a task that someone is given to do, usually as part of their job.

An assignment is also a piece of academic work given to students.

In American English, an assignment is also a piece of work given to students to do at home.

Work given to schoolchildren to do at home is also called homework .

Be Careful! Homework is an uncountable noun. You do not talk about 'homeworks' or 'a homework'. Note that you do not say ' I have made my homework '. You say 'I have done my homework'.

- a duty that you are assigned to perform (especially in the armed forces); "hazardous duty" - work that you are obliged to perform for moral or legal reasons; "the duties of the job" , , , - the duty of serving as a sentry; "he was on guard that night" , - labor of a nonmilitary kind done by soldiers (cleaning or digging or draining or so on); "the soldiers were put on fatigue to teach them a lesson"; "they were assigned to kitchen fatigues" , , - a special assignment that is given to a person or group; "a confidential mission to London"; "his charge was deliver a message" - assignment to a different duty , , - naval service aboard a ship at sea - naval service at land bases
- the instrument by which a claim or right or interest or property is transferred from one person to another , , , - (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right , - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"
- the act of distributing something to designated places or persons; "the first task is the assignment of an address to each datum" , - (computer science) the assignment of particular areas of a magnetic disk to particular data or instructions - the act of distributing or spreading or apportioning
- (law) a transfer of property by deed of conveyance , - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order" , - a possession whose ownership changes or lapses , - a grant (by a sovereign or a legislative body) of resources to maintain a dependent member of a ruling family; "bishoprics were received as appanages for the younger sons of great families" - a grant of public land (as to a railway or college)
- an undertaking that you have been assigned to do (as by an instructor) , - a school task performed by a student to satisfy the teacher , , , - any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted; "he prepared for great undertakings" , - an assignment to write something
- the act of putting a person into a non-elective position; "the appointment had to be approved by the whole committee" , , , , - the act of making up your mind about something; "the burden of decision was his"; "he drew his conclusions quickly" - the act of officially naming a candidate; "the Republican nomination for Governor" , - the act of appointing summarily (with or without the appointee's consent) - the appointment of a delegate , - the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders; "the rabbi's family was present for his ordination" - designation by the chair granting a person the right to speak in a deliberative body; "he was unable to make his motion because he couldn't get recognition by the chairman"
  • admeasurement
  • all nighter
  • annual training
  • anthropopathism
  • anthropopathy
  • anthropophuism
  • anthropopsychism
  • appointment
  • apportionment
  • apportionment (air)
  • assignation
  • Assignment of dower
  • assibilation
  • Assideanism
  • assiduously
  • assiduousness
  • assignability
  • assigned risk
  • assimilability
  • assimilable
  • assimilating
  • assimilation
  • assimilationism
  • assimilationist
  • assimilative
  • assimilator
  • assimilatory
  • Assimulation
  • Assiniboine
  • Assiniboine Mount
  • Assiniboine River
  • assistance dog
  • assistance mechanism
  • assigned to you
  • assigning to
  • Assignment (computer science)
  • Assignment (education)
  • Assignment (law)
  • Assignment Action Number
  • Assignment and Analysis of Broadband Spectra
  • Assignment and Justification Questionnaire
  • Assignment and Lease
  • Assignment and Licensing System
  • Assignment and Transmittal Document
  • Assignment Area
  • Assignment Availability Code
  • Assignment by Choice
  • Assignment Capsule
  • Assignment Capsules
  • Assignment Clause, Life Insurance
  • Assignment Completed
  • Assignment Consideration
  • Assignment Control Authority
  • Assignment Control Number
  • Assignment Coordination Group
  • Assignment Data Card
  • Assignment Date
  • Assignment Eligibility & Availability
  • Assignment for benefit of creditors
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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Understanding Assignments

What this handout is about.

The first step in any successful college writing venture is reading the assignment. While this sounds like a simple task, it can be a tough one. This handout will help you unravel your assignment and begin to craft an effective response. Much of the following advice will involve translating typical assignment terms and practices into meaningful clues to the type of writing your instructor expects. See our short video for more tips.

Basic beginnings

Regardless of the assignment, department, or instructor, adopting these two habits will serve you well :

  • Read the assignment carefully as soon as you receive it. Do not put this task off—reading the assignment at the beginning will save you time, stress, and problems later. An assignment can look pretty straightforward at first, particularly if the instructor has provided lots of information. That does not mean it will not take time and effort to complete; you may even have to learn a new skill to complete the assignment.
  • Ask the instructor about anything you do not understand. Do not hesitate to approach your instructor. Instructors would prefer to set you straight before you hand the paper in. That’s also when you will find their feedback most useful.

Assignment formats

Many assignments follow a basic format. Assignments often begin with an overview of the topic, include a central verb or verbs that describe the task, and offer some additional suggestions, questions, or prompts to get you started.

An Overview of Some Kind

The instructor might set the stage with some general discussion of the subject of the assignment, introduce the topic, or remind you of something pertinent that you have discussed in class. For example:

“Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics,” or “In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly …”

The Task of the Assignment

Pay attention; this part tells you what to do when you write the paper. Look for the key verb or verbs in the sentence. Words like analyze, summarize, or compare direct you to think about your topic in a certain way. Also pay attention to words such as how, what, when, where, and why; these words guide your attention toward specific information. (See the section in this handout titled “Key Terms” for more information.)

“Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution”, or “Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin’s.”

Additional Material to Think about

Here you will find some questions to use as springboards as you begin to think about the topic. Instructors usually include these questions as suggestions rather than requirements. Do not feel compelled to answer every question unless the instructor asks you to do so. Pay attention to the order of the questions. Sometimes they suggest the thinking process your instructor imagines you will need to follow to begin thinking about the topic.

“You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils, or Can there be such a thing as ‘the housefly garment industry’ or is it just a home-based craft?”

These are the instructor’s comments about writing expectations:

“Be concise”, “Write effectively”, or “Argue furiously.”

Technical Details

These instructions usually indicate format rules or guidelines.

“Your paper must be typed in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on the anniversary of Mao Tse-tung’s death.”

The assignment’s parts may not appear in exactly this order, and each part may be very long or really short. Nonetheless, being aware of this standard pattern can help you understand what your instructor wants you to do.

Interpreting the assignment

Ask yourself a few basic questions as you read and jot down the answers on the assignment sheet:

Why did your instructor ask you to do this particular task?

Who is your audience.

  • What kind of evidence do you need to support your ideas?

What kind of writing style is acceptable?

  • What are the absolute rules of the paper?

Try to look at the question from the point of view of the instructor. Recognize that your instructor has a reason for giving you this assignment and for giving it to you at a particular point in the semester. In every assignment, the instructor has a challenge for you. This challenge could be anything from demonstrating an ability to think clearly to demonstrating an ability to use the library. See the assignment not as a vague suggestion of what to do but as an opportunity to show that you can handle the course material as directed. Paper assignments give you more than a topic to discuss—they ask you to do something with the topic. Keep reminding yourself of that. Be careful to avoid the other extreme as well: do not read more into the assignment than what is there.

Of course, your instructor has given you an assignment so that they will be able to assess your understanding of the course material and give you an appropriate grade. But there is more to it than that. Your instructor has tried to design a learning experience of some kind. Your instructor wants you to think about something in a particular way for a particular reason. If you read the course description at the beginning of your syllabus, review the assigned readings, and consider the assignment itself, you may begin to see the plan, purpose, or approach to the subject matter that your instructor has created for you. If you still aren’t sure of the assignment’s goals, try asking the instructor. For help with this, see our handout on getting feedback .

Given your instructor’s efforts, it helps to answer the question: What is my purpose in completing this assignment? Is it to gather research from a variety of outside sources and present a coherent picture? Is it to take material I have been learning in class and apply it to a new situation? Is it to prove a point one way or another? Key words from the assignment can help you figure this out. Look for key terms in the form of active verbs that tell you what to do.

Key Terms: Finding Those Active Verbs

Here are some common key words and definitions to help you think about assignment terms:

Information words Ask you to demonstrate what you know about the subject, such as who, what, when, where, how, and why.

  • define —give the subject’s meaning (according to someone or something). Sometimes you have to give more than one view on the subject’s meaning
  • describe —provide details about the subject by answering question words (such as who, what, when, where, how, and why); you might also give details related to the five senses (what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell)
  • explain —give reasons why or examples of how something happened
  • illustrate —give descriptive examples of the subject and show how each is connected with the subject
  • summarize —briefly list the important ideas you learned about the subject
  • trace —outline how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form
  • research —gather material from outside sources about the subject, often with the implication or requirement that you will analyze what you have found

Relation words Ask you to demonstrate how things are connected.

  • compare —show how two or more things are similar (and, sometimes, different)
  • contrast —show how two or more things are dissimilar
  • apply—use details that you’ve been given to demonstrate how an idea, theory, or concept works in a particular situation
  • cause —show how one event or series of events made something else happen
  • relate —show or describe the connections between things

Interpretation words Ask you to defend ideas of your own about the subject. Do not see these words as requesting opinion alone (unless the assignment specifically says so), but as requiring opinion that is supported by concrete evidence. Remember examples, principles, definitions, or concepts from class or research and use them in your interpretation.

  • assess —summarize your opinion of the subject and measure it against something
  • prove, justify —give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is the truth
  • evaluate, respond —state your opinion of the subject as good, bad, or some combination of the two, with examples and reasons
  • support —give reasons or evidence for something you believe (be sure to state clearly what it is that you believe)
  • synthesize —put two or more things together that have not been put together in class or in your readings before; do not just summarize one and then the other and say that they are similar or different—you must provide a reason for putting them together that runs all the way through the paper
  • analyze —determine how individual parts create or relate to the whole, figure out how something works, what it might mean, or why it is important
  • argue —take a side and defend it with evidence against the other side

More Clues to Your Purpose As you read the assignment, think about what the teacher does in class:

  • What kinds of textbooks or coursepack did your instructor choose for the course—ones that provide background information, explain theories or perspectives, or argue a point of view?
  • In lecture, does your instructor ask your opinion, try to prove their point of view, or use keywords that show up again in the assignment?
  • What kinds of assignments are typical in this discipline? Social science classes often expect more research. Humanities classes thrive on interpretation and analysis.
  • How do the assignments, readings, and lectures work together in the course? Instructors spend time designing courses, sometimes even arguing with their peers about the most effective course materials. Figuring out the overall design to the course will help you understand what each assignment is meant to achieve.

Now, what about your reader? Most undergraduates think of their audience as the instructor. True, your instructor is a good person to keep in mind as you write. But for the purposes of a good paper, think of your audience as someone like your roommate: smart enough to understand a clear, logical argument, but not someone who already knows exactly what is going on in your particular paper. Remember, even if the instructor knows everything there is to know about your paper topic, they still have to read your paper and assess your understanding. In other words, teach the material to your reader.

Aiming a paper at your audience happens in two ways: you make decisions about the tone and the level of information you want to convey.

  • Tone means the “voice” of your paper. Should you be chatty, formal, or objective? Usually you will find some happy medium—you do not want to alienate your reader by sounding condescending or superior, but you do not want to, um, like, totally wig on the man, you know? Eschew ostentatious erudition: some students think the way to sound academic is to use big words. Be careful—you can sound ridiculous, especially if you use the wrong big words.
  • The level of information you use depends on who you think your audience is. If you imagine your audience as your instructor and they already know everything you have to say, you may find yourself leaving out key information that can cause your argument to be unconvincing and illogical. But you do not have to explain every single word or issue. If you are telling your roommate what happened on your favorite science fiction TV show last night, you do not say, “First a dark-haired white man of average height, wearing a suit and carrying a flashlight, walked into the room. Then a purple alien with fifteen arms and at least three eyes turned around. Then the man smiled slightly. In the background, you could hear a clock ticking. The room was fairly dark and had at least two windows that I saw.” You also do not say, “This guy found some aliens. The end.” Find some balance of useful details that support your main point.

You’ll find a much more detailed discussion of these concepts in our handout on audience .

The Grim Truth

With a few exceptions (including some lab and ethnography reports), you are probably being asked to make an argument. You must convince your audience. It is easy to forget this aim when you are researching and writing; as you become involved in your subject matter, you may become enmeshed in the details and focus on learning or simply telling the information you have found. You need to do more than just repeat what you have read. Your writing should have a point, and you should be able to say it in a sentence. Sometimes instructors call this sentence a “thesis” or a “claim.”

So, if your instructor tells you to write about some aspect of oral hygiene, you do not want to just list: “First, you brush your teeth with a soft brush and some peanut butter. Then, you floss with unwaxed, bologna-flavored string. Finally, gargle with bourbon.” Instead, you could say, “Of all the oral cleaning methods, sandblasting removes the most plaque. Therefore it should be recommended by the American Dental Association.” Or, “From an aesthetic perspective, moldy teeth can be quite charming. However, their joys are short-lived.”

Convincing the reader of your argument is the goal of academic writing. It doesn’t have to say “argument” anywhere in the assignment for you to need one. Look at the assignment and think about what kind of argument you could make about it instead of just seeing it as a checklist of information you have to present. For help with understanding the role of argument in academic writing, see our handout on argument .

What kind of evidence do you need?

There are many kinds of evidence, and what type of evidence will work for your assignment can depend on several factors–the discipline, the parameters of the assignment, and your instructor’s preference. Should you use statistics? Historical examples? Do you need to conduct your own experiment? Can you rely on personal experience? See our handout on evidence for suggestions on how to use evidence appropriately.

Make sure you are clear about this part of the assignment, because your use of evidence will be crucial in writing a successful paper. You are not just learning how to argue; you are learning how to argue with specific types of materials and ideas. Ask your instructor what counts as acceptable evidence. You can also ask a librarian for help. No matter what kind of evidence you use, be sure to cite it correctly—see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .

You cannot always tell from the assignment just what sort of writing style your instructor expects. The instructor may be really laid back in class but still expect you to sound formal in writing. Or the instructor may be fairly formal in class and ask you to write a reflection paper where you need to use “I” and speak from your own experience.

Try to avoid false associations of a particular field with a style (“art historians like wacky creativity,” or “political scientists are boring and just give facts”) and look instead to the types of readings you have been given in class. No one expects you to write like Plato—just use the readings as a guide for what is standard or preferable to your instructor. When in doubt, ask your instructor about the level of formality they expect.

No matter what field you are writing for or what facts you are including, if you do not write so that your reader can understand your main idea, you have wasted your time. So make clarity your main goal. For specific help with style, see our handout on style .

Technical details about the assignment

The technical information you are given in an assignment always seems like the easy part. This section can actually give you lots of little hints about approaching the task. Find out if elements such as page length and citation format (see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial ) are negotiable. Some professors do not have strong preferences as long as you are consistent and fully answer the assignment. Some professors are very specific and will deduct big points for deviations.

Usually, the page length tells you something important: The instructor thinks the size of the paper is appropriate to the assignment’s parameters. In plain English, your instructor is telling you how many pages it should take for you to answer the question as fully as you are expected to. So if an assignment is two pages long, you cannot pad your paper with examples or reword your main idea several times. Hit your one point early, defend it with the clearest example, and finish quickly. If an assignment is ten pages long, you can be more complex in your main points and examples—and if you can only produce five pages for that assignment, you need to see someone for help—as soon as possible.

Tricks that don’t work

Your instructors are not fooled when you:

  • spend more time on the cover page than the essay —graphics, cool binders, and cute titles are no replacement for a well-written paper.
  • use huge fonts, wide margins, or extra spacing to pad the page length —these tricks are immediately obvious to the eye. Most instructors use the same word processor you do. They know what’s possible. Such tactics are especially damning when the instructor has a stack of 60 papers to grade and yours is the only one that low-flying airplane pilots could read.
  • use a paper from another class that covered “sort of similar” material . Again, the instructor has a particular task for you to fulfill in the assignment that usually relates to course material and lectures. Your other paper may not cover this material, and turning in the same paper for more than one course may constitute an Honor Code violation . Ask the instructor—it can’t hurt.
  • get all wacky and “creative” before you answer the question . Showing that you are able to think beyond the boundaries of a simple assignment can be good, but you must do what the assignment calls for first. Again, check with your instructor. A humorous tone can be refreshing for someone grading a stack of papers, but it will not get you a good grade if you have not fulfilled the task.

Critical reading of assignments leads to skills in other types of reading and writing. If you get good at figuring out what the real goals of assignments are, you are going to be better at understanding the goals of all of your classes and fields of study.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Definition of assignment noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

  • 2 [ uncountable ] the act of giving something to someone; the act of giving someone a particular task his assignment to other duties in the same company

Nearby words

Online Language Dictionaries

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WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024
as•sign•ment      n. [ ]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024
as•sign•ment   mənt),USA pronunciation n.  See assign, -ment 1350–1400 obligation, job. See   
/əˈsaɪnmənt/ n ' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations): - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , , , , , , , , a [position, work] assignment, is on [a special, an undercover] assignment, was [given, sent on] a special assignment,

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Other forms: assigned; assigns; assigning

To assign is to specify something or someone for a specific purpose. If your sisters fight over whose turn it is to sit in the front seat, your parents may have to assign turns.

The verb assign also means to transfer legal rights. You assign the deed to your house to new owners when you sell it. If you sort things into categories by characteristics, you are assigning them categories. When you make a budget, you assign each expense a category. Food and housing, for example, may be essential living expenses and medicine and doctor's visits may be health care. Chocolate gets its own category.

  • verb select something or someone for a specific purpose “The teacher assigned him to lead his classmates in the exercise” synonyms: set apart , specify see more see less types: dedicate set apart to sacred uses with solemn rites, of a church detail assign to a specific task type of: choose , pick out , select , take pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
  • verb give an assignment to (a person) to a post, or assign a task to (a person) synonyms: delegate , depute , designate see more see less types: show 27 types... hide 27 types... mandate assign authority to cast select to play,sing, or dance a part in a play, movie, musical, opera, or ballet post assign to a post; put into a post cast assign the roles of (a movie or a play) to actors devolve pass on or delegate to another task assign a task to place place somebody in a particular situation or location regiment assign to a regiment reassign , transfer transfer somebody to a different position or location of work delegate , depute transfer power to someone mandate assign under a mandate advance , elevate , kick upstairs , promote , raise , upgrade give a promotion to or assign to a higher position break , bump , demote , kick downstairs , relegate assign to a lower position; reduce in rank place assign to (a job or a home) recast cast again, in a different role miscast cast an actor, singer, or dancer in an unsuitable role typecast cast repeatedly in the same kind of role second transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment exchange hand over one and receive another, approximately equivalent tenure give life-time employment to bring up promote from a lower position or rank spot promote promote on the spot ennoble , entitle , gentle give a title to someone; make someone a member of the nobility sideline remove from the center of activity or attention; place into an inferior position reduce bring to humbler or weaker state or condition favor , favour , prefer promote or prefer over another brevet promote somebody by brevet, in the military type of: appoint , charge assign a duty, responsibility, or obligation to
  • verb decide as to where something belongs in a scheme “The biologist assigned the mushroom to the proper class” synonyms: attribute see more see less types: classify , relegate assign to a class or kind type of: evaluate , judge , pass judgment form a critical opinion of
  • verb give out “We were assigned new uniforms” synonyms: allot , portion see more see less types: show 5 types... hide 5 types... allow , appropriate , earmark , reserve , set aside give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause allocate , apportion distribute according to a plan or set apart for a special purpose reallocate , reapportion allocate, distribute, or apportion anew ration , ration out distribute in rations, as in the army award , present give, especially as an honor or reward type of: administer , allot , deal , deal out , dish out , dispense , distribute , dole , dole out , lot , mete , mete out , parcel out , shell out administer or bestow, as in small portions
  • verb attribute or give synonyms: put see more see less types: repose put or confide something in a person or thing type of: apply , employ , use , utilise , utilize put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
  • verb attribute or credit to synonyms: ascribe , attribute , impute impute attribute (responsibility or fault) to a cause or source see more see less types: show 10 types... hide 10 types... impute attribute (responsibility or fault) to a cause or source carnalise , carnalize , sensualise , sensualize ascribe to an origin in sensation credit give someone credit for something reattribute attribute to another source anthropomorphise , anthropomorphize ascribe human features to something personate , personify attribute human qualities to something accredit , credit ascribe an achievement to blame , charge attribute responsibility to externalise , externalize , project regard as objective interiorise , interiorize , internalise , internalize incorporate within oneself; make subjective or personal type of: evaluate , judge , pass judgment form a critical opinion of
  • verb transfer one's right to see more see less type of: transfer cause to change ownership
  • verb make undue claims to having synonyms: arrogate see more see less type of: arrogate , claim , lay claim demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to

Vocabulary lists containing assign

Vocabulary from "Beowulf" (translated by by Gummere).

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Based on the true story of Navajo code talkers, this novel recounts the exploits of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo soldier in World War II. Ned's language skills prove to be invaluable as the Americans work to send secret messages to help them in their fight.

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This collection of autobiographical short stories by Francisco Jiménez explores the immigrant experience in the United States.

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Synonyms of assignment

  • as in lesson
  • as in appointment
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Thesaurus Definition of assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

  • responsibility
  • undertaking
  • requirement
  • designation
  • appointment
  • authorization
  • installment
  • installation
  • destination
  • emplacement
  • investiture
  • singling (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • dethronement

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun assignment contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assignment are chore , duty , job , stint , and task . While all these words mean "a piece of work to be done," assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority.

When is it sensible to use chore instead of assignment ?

While the synonyms chore and assignment are close in meaning, chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm.

When is duty a more appropriate choice than assignment ?

Although the words duty and assignment have much in common, duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance.

When might job be a better fit than assignment ?

The synonyms job and assignment are sometimes interchangeable, but job applies to a piece of work voluntarily performed; it may sometimes suggest difficulty or importance.

When could stint be used to replace assignment ?

In some situations, the words stint and assignment are roughly equivalent. However, stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service.

When can task be used instead of assignment ?

The meanings of task and assignment largely overlap; however, task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance.

Examples of assignment in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assignment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near assignment

assignments

Cite this Entry

“Assignment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assignment. Accessed 16 Aug. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on assignment

Nglish: Translation of assignment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of assignment for Arabic Speakers

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Understood the Assignment Meaning: What Does the Phrase Mean?

If you’re a regular user of social media, you might have come across the phrase “understood the assignment” in recent times. The phrase has gained a lot of popularity on Twitter, TikTok, and other social media platforms, and it is often used to acknowledge someone who has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. In this article, we’ll explore the understood the assignment meaning and how it has become a popular phrase on social media.

Understood the Assignment Meaning

Understood the Assignment Meaning: What Does the Phrase Mean?

What Does Understood the Assignment Mean?

“Understood the Assignment” is a slang phrase that gained popularity in 2021, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. The phrase is used to acknowledge someone who has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. It is often used in the context of school assignments or work projects, where individuals are expected to complete a task or meet a certain standard.

The phrase implies that the person has not only completed the task at hand but has done so in a way that demonstrates a deep understanding of the requirements and expectations. The phrase has since become a popular hashtag and is commonly used in text messages, social media posts, and online chat rooms to express admiration or approval of someone’s work or performance.

Origin of ‘Understood the Assignment’ Phrase

If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the phrase “understood the assignment” being used quite frequently. But where did this phrase come from, and why has it become so popular?

The phrase “understood the assignment” originated from the American rapper Tay Money’s song “The Assignment,” which was released in 2021. In the song, Tay Money raps, “Tay, you killed this. I understood the assignment.” The phrase quickly caught on and became a popular way to express praise or criticism in slang.

Since then, the phrase has been used in various contexts, from school assignments to fashion choices. It’s often used to acknowledge someone’s efforts or accomplishments, particularly when they’ve gone above and beyond what was expected of them.

On Twitter, the phrase has also been associated with a specific meme. The meme features a picture of a woman wearing a white shirt and black pants, with the phrase “understood the assignment” written across the bottom. The meme is often used to mock people who have failed to meet expectations or who have made a mistake.

Popularity and Usage in Social Media

If you’re active on social media, you’ve probably seen the phrase “understood the assignment” being used quite frequently. It has become a popular slang expression to convey praise or criticism. The phrase has been in use since at least 2015, but it gained mainstream popularity in 2021 when it started trending on TikTok and Twitter.

The phrase is used to acknowledge someone who has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. It’s pretty much like giving someone an “A+” or stamping something with your seal of approval. For example, if a celebrity shows up to an event in an outfit that perfectly matches the theme, you might say they “understood the assignment.”

The phrase has become so popular that it has even been used by big brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks in their social media campaigns. McDonald’s used the phrase in a tweet to promote their BTS meal, and Starbucks used it to promote their new line of summer drinks. This shows how the phrase has become a part of popular culture and is being used by people from all walks of life.

The phrase has also become a meme, with people using it to make jokes or sarcastic comments. For example, if someone does something completely unrelated to what they were supposed to do, you might say they “didn’t understand the assignment.” This shows how the phrase has evolved and taken on a life of its own in the world of social media.

Examples of ‘Understood the Assignment’

When someone says “understood the assignment,” they are acknowledging that someone has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. Here are some examples of how this phrase can be used:

  • A student might say, “I understood the assignment and got an A on the paper.”
  • A coach might say, “The team really understood the assignment and executed the game plan perfectly.”
  • A designer might say, “The client loved the final product because we really understood the assignment and delivered exactly what they wanted.”

This phrase can also be used in a more playful or humorous way. For example, someone might say, “Beyoncé really understood the assignment with that outfit she wore to the Met Gala ,” meaning that she looked amazing and perfectly captured the theme of the event.

Another example could be, “The new Netflix series really understood the assignment when it came to creating a compelling storyline and characters that viewers can’t get enough of.”

Overall, “understood the assignment” is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts to praise someone for doing an exceptional job or meeting and exceeding expectations.

Impact on Popular Culture

Popular culture is a reflection of society’s norms, values, and beliefs. It is a dynamic entity that evolves with time and influences people’s behavior, fashion, and lifestyle. Popular culture has a significant impact on society, shaping the way people think, act, and perceive the world around them.

One of the most significant impacts of popular culture is its influence on fashion. Popular culture often sets the trends in clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. For example, the popularity of the TV show Friends in the 1990s led to the trend of “The Rachel” haircut, which was named after the character Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston. Similarly, the popularity of the movie Grease in the 1970s led to the revival of 1950s fashion, with leather jackets, tight jeans, and poodle skirts becoming popular again.

Popular culture also influences people’s behavior and lifestyle choices. For example, the popularity of fitness and health-related TV shows and social media influencers has led to an increase in gym memberships and healthy eating habits. Similarly, the popularity of travel-related shows and social media accounts has led to an increase in tourism and travel-related activities.

In conclusion, popular culture has a significant impact on society, shaping the way people think, act, and perceive the world around them. It influences fashion, behavior, lifestyle choices, language, and communication. As such, it is essential to understand the impact of popular culture and how it shapes our lives.

Criticism and Controversy

While “Understood the Assignment” is generally used to praise someone’s efforts, there have been some criticisms and controversies surrounding the phrase.

One criticism is that it can be used to pressure people into conforming to certain standards or expectations. For example, if someone posts a picture or video and doesn’t receive the “Understood the Assignment” comment, they may feel like they didn’t do a good enough job or that they didn’t meet the expectations of others.

Additionally, some people have argued that the phrase is overused and has lost its meaning. It’s become a catch-all phrase for any kind of praise, regardless of whether or not the person actually understood the assignment or put in a lot of effort.

There have also been controversies surrounding the phrase’s origins. While it’s generally accepted that the phrase originated on TikTok, there have been claims that it was actually first used in other contexts or by other people. However, there’s no definitive proof to support these claims.

Despite these criticisms and controversies, “Understood the Assignment” remains a popular phrase on social media and continues to be used as a way to praise people’s efforts and accomplishments.

Variations and Adaptations

When it comes to the “understood the assignment” trend, there are many variations and adaptations that people have come up with to express the same sentiment. Here are some of the most popular ones:

One common variation is to use the phrase in a humorous or sarcastic way. For example, someone might say “I understood the assignment” while holding up a blank piece of paper or a completely unrelated object. This type of parody is meant to poke fun at the original meaning of the phrase and show that the speaker did not actually understand the assignment.

Another popular adaptation of the trend is to turn it into a meme. This often involves taking a picture or video of someone who is clearly not “understanding the assignment” and adding the phrase as a caption. Memes like these can be found all over social media and are often used to make light of situations where someone is not living up to expectations.

Overall, the “understood the assignment” trend has taken on a life of its own and has become a popular way for people to express their dedication and hard work. While there are many variations and adaptations of the trend, the core message remains the same: that the speaker is giving it their all and doing everything they can to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quotes about understanding an assignment?

There are many quotes about understanding an assignment, but one of the most popular is “I understood the assignment, but I just didn’t do it.” This quote is often used humorously to express frustration with procrastination or laziness.

What are some synonyms for understanding an assignment?

Some synonyms for understanding an assignment include comprehending, grasping, and getting. These words all describe the ability to fully understand and engage with an assignment or task.

What are some examples of understanding an assignment?

Examples of understanding an assignment might include completing all of the required tasks, following all of the instructions, and producing high-quality work. Understanding an assignment also involves being able to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary.

What is the origin of the phrase ‘understood the assignment’?

The origin of the phrase ‘understood the assignment’ is unclear, but it has become a popular expression on social media and in popular culture. The phrase is often used to praise someone who is giving their all and doing their best.

What does it mean to ‘get’ an assignment?

To ‘get’ an assignment means to fully understand and comprehend what is required in order to complete the task successfully. This involves reading and following all instructions, asking questions if necessary, and producing high-quality work.

What is the meaning of explaining in an assignment?

Explaining in an assignment involves providing clear and concise explanations of concepts, ideas, or processes. This may involve using examples, diagrams, or other visual aids to help the reader understand the material. A well-written explanation should be easy to follow and understand.

Last Updated on September 29, 2023

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Cambridge Dictionary

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Meaning of assign in English

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assign verb [T] ( CHOOSE )

  • Every available officer will be assigned to the investigation .
  • The textbooks were assigned by the course director .
  • Part of the group were assigned to clear land mines .
  • Each trainee is assigned a mentor who will help them learn more about the job .
  • We were assigned an interpreter for the duration of our stay .
  • accommodate
  • accommodate someone with something
  • administration
  • arm someone with something
  • hand something around
  • hand something back
  • hand something down
  • hand something in
  • re-equipment
  • reassignment

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

assign verb [T] ( SEND )

  • She was assigned to the Paris office .
  • All the team were assigned to Poland.
  • advertisement
  • employment agency
  • recruitment drive
  • reinstatement
  • relocation expenses

assign verb [T] ( COMPUTING )

  • 3-D printing
  • adaptive learning
  • additive manufacturing
  • hexadecimal
  • hill climbing
  • techno-solutionism
  • word processing

assign verb [T] ( GIVE LEGALLY )

Phrasal verb, assign | american dictionary, assign | business english, examples of assign, translations of assign.

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english assignment meaning

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  • assign (CHOOSE)
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english assignment meaning

Variable Assigner

The variable assigner node is used to assign values to writable variables. Currently supported writable variables include:

conversation variables .

Usage: Through the variable assigner node, you can assign workflow variables to conversation variables for temporary storage, which can be continuously referenced in subsequent conversations.

Usage Scenario Examples

Using the variable assigner node, you can write context from the conversation process, files uploaded to the dialog box (coming soon), and user preference information into conversation variables. These stored variables can then be referenced in subsequent conversations to direct different processing flows or formulate responses.

You can write the context during the conversation, the file uploaded to the chatting box (coming soon), the preference information entered by the user,etc. into the conversation variable using Variale Assigner node. These stored information can be referenced in subsequent chats to guide different processing flows or provide reponses.

Automatically judge and extract content , store history in the conversation, record important user information through the session variable array within the conversation, and use this history content to personalize responses in subsequent chats.

Example: After the conversation starts, LLM will automatically determine whether the user's input contains facts, preferences, or chat history that need to be remembered. If it has, LLM will first extract and store those information, then use it as context to respond. If there is no new information to remember, LLM will directly use the previously relevant memories to answer questions.

Configuration process:

Set Conversation Variables:

First, set up a Conversation Variables array memories , of type array[object] to store user information, preferences, and chat history.

Determine and Extract Memories:

Add a Conditional Branching node, using LLM to determine whether the user's input contains new information that needs to be remembered.

If there's new information, follow the upper branch and use an LLM node to extract this information.

If there's no new information, go down the branch and directly use existing memories to answer.

Variable Assignment/Writing:

In the upper branch, use the variable assigner node to append the newly extracted information to the memories array.

Use the escape function to convert the text string output by LLM into a format suitable for storage in an array[object].

Variable Reading and Usage:

In subsequent LLM nodes, convert the contents of the memories array to a string and insert it into the prompt of LLM as context.

Use these memories to generate personalized responses.

The code for the node in the upper diagram is as follows:

Escape the string to object

Escape object as string

Recording initial user preferences input : Remember the user's language preference input during the conversation and continue to use this language for responses in subsequent chatting.

Example: Before the chatting, the user specifies "English" in the language input box. This language will be written to the conversation variable, and the LLM will reference this information when responding, continuing to use "English" in subsequent conversations.

Configuration Guide:

Set conversation variable : First, set a conversation variable language . Add a condition judgment node at the beginning of the conversation flow to check if the language variable is empty.

Variable writing/assignment : At the start of the first round of chatting, if the language variable is empty, use an LLM node to extract the user's input language, then use a variable assigner node to write this language type into the conversation variable language .

Variable reading : In subsequent conversation rounds, the language variable has stored the user's language preference. The LLM node references the language variable to respond using the user's preferred language type.

Assisting with Checklist checks : Record user inputs within the conversation using conversation variables, update the contents of the Checklist, and check for missing items in subsequent conversations.

Example: After starting the conversation, the LLM will ask the user to input items related to the Checklist in the chatting box. Once the user mentions content from the Checklist, it will be updated and stored in the Conversation Variable. The LLM will remind the user to continue supplementing missing items after each round of dialogue.

Configuration Process:

Set conversation variable: First, set a conversation variable ai_checklist , and reference this variable within the LLM as context for checking.

variable assigner/writing : During each round of dialogue, check the value in ai_checklist within the LLM node and compare it with user input. If the user provides new information, update the Checklist and write the output content to ai_checklist using the variable assigner node.

Variable reading: Read the value in ai_checklist and compare it with user input in each round of dialogue until all checklist items are completed.

Using the Variable Assigner Node

Click the + sign on the right side of the node, select the "variable assigner" node, and fill in "Assigned Variable" and "Set Variable".

Setting Variables:

Assigned Variable: Select the variable to be assigned, i.e., specify the target conversation variable that needs to be assigned.

Set Variable: Select the variable to assign, i.e., specify the source variable that needs to be converted.

Taking the assignment logic in the above figure as an example: Assign the text output item Language Recognition/text from the previous node to the conversation variable language .

Write Mode:

Overwrite: Overwrite the content of the source variable to the target conversation variable

Append: When the specified variable is of Array type

Clear: Clear the content in the target conversation variable

Last updated 1 day ago

english assignment meaning

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  12. Understanding Assignments

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  21. Understood the Assignment Meaning: What Does the Phrase Mean?

    The phrase "understood the assignment" originated from the American rapper Tay Money's song "The Assignment," which was released in 2021. In the song, Tay Money raps, "Tay, you killed this. I understood the assignment.". The phrase quickly caught on and became a popular way to express praise or criticism in slang.

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  25. 19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris's Pick for Vice President

    4. He reminds you of your high school history teacher for a reason. Mr. Walz taught high school social studies and geography — first in Alliance, Neb., and then in Mankato, Minn. — before ...