Understanding ‘Commission’: Meanings and Uses for IELTS Success
Explore the versatile word ‘commission’ and its various applications in business, art, and government. Learn its meanings as both a noun and verb, discover synonyms and antonyms, and see examples of correct usage to boost your IELTS score.
Commission. This versatile word plays a crucial role in business, art, and even crime dramas. But what exactly does it mean, and how can you use it effectively in your IELTS exam?
Let’s explore this important term.
Word type: Commission functions as both a noun and a verb in English.
Meaning: As a noun, commission has several related meanings. First, it refers to an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group.
Second, it can mean a group of people officially charged with a particular function. Third, it often denotes a fee or percentage paid to a salesperson for each sale they make.
As a verb, to commission means to formally choose someone to do a special piece of work, or to order something to be made or done.
Word history: Commission comes from the Latin word commissio, meaning a sending together or a connection.
This origin hints at the idea of entrusting someone with a task or responsibility.
Antonyms: While commission doesn’t have direct opposites, some related antonyms include: withhold, refuse, or deny when used as a verb.
Synonyms: For the noun form, some synonyms include: assignment, task, instruction, or mandate. As a verb, synonyms include: appoint, assign, or authorize.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how to use commission in different contexts. As a noun: The artist received a commission to paint a mural for the new library.
The sales team earns a ten percent commission on every contract they secure. The government established a commission to investigate the incident.
As a verb: The city council commissioned a study on traffic patterns. The wealthy collector commissioned a series of portraits from the famous painter.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing commission with permission. Remember, commission implies being entrusted with a task, while permission is about being allowed to do something.
Another error is using commission only in a business context. While it’s common in sales, remember that it has broader applications in art, government, and other fields.
Commission is a powerful word that can enhance your IELTS writing and speaking responses. Practice using it in various contexts to become more comfortable with its different meanings and uses.
By mastering words like commission, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that band score of 6.5 or even higher.
