Meaning & use

assign

verb·Everyday

To give a particular task, duty, or role to someone.

See it in a sentence

The manager assigned each new employee a mentor for their first month.

Our teacher assigned three chapters of reading for tomorrow's discussion.

A note on using this word

Assign is typically followed by an indirect object and the task: assign someone something, or assign something to someone.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To transfer a right, property, or interest formally to another person, especially in law.

The inventor assigned the patent to the company in exchange for royalties.

Make it your own

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