Understanding “Commissioned”: Synonyms and Usage
Commissioned – Definition and Part of Speech
The term commissioned typically functions as a past participle verb, describing an action that has been formally requested or ordered. It is derived from the verb “to commission,” meaning to officially assign someone to do something, particularly in a professional or artistic context.
Grammatical forms:
- As a verb: commission (present), commissions (3rd person singular present)
- As an adjective/participle: commissioned
Core Synonyms
Below is a table presenting some of the key synonyms for “commissioned,” along with their nuances and example sentences.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hired | Focuses on employment or engagement; typically refers to hiring a person. | “The artist was hired for the project.” | Informal/Business |
| Engaged | Often implies an ongoing, formal relationship; commonly used in artistic or professional contexts. | “She was engaged by the orchestra as their new conductor.” | Formal/Professional |
| Contracted | Suggests a formal agreement or arrangement; often business-related. | “The company contracted a software developer to create a custom application.” | Business/Formal |
| Retained | Indicates keeping someone’s services for a particular purpose; implies continuity and exclusivity. | “They retained an attorney to handle all legal matters.” | Formal/Legal |
Usage Notes
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Hired: This synonym is often used in casual or business settings, especially when referring to employment. For instance, “He was hired as the new manager,” reflects a straightforward hiring process.
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Engaged: Ideal for formal contexts, particularly within artistic or specialized fields. When someone is engaged for their expertise—like musicians or consultants—it implies an ongoing professional relationship.
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Contracted: Best suited to business environments where legal agreements are in place. This term emphasizes the contractual nature of the agreement: “The city contracted a construction company to renovate the library.”
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Retained: Typically used when discussing ongoing, exclusive services, especially in professional and legal contexts. For example, retaining counsel indicates an exclusive working relationship.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is using these synonyms interchangeably without considering their contextual implications:
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Confusing hired with engaged might overlook the ongoing nature of engagement.
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Using contracted instead of commissioned may imply a more formal agreement than intended, as commissioning often suggests an artistic or professional task rather than a business contract.
Final Recap
In summary, while synonyms like “hired,” “engaged,” “contracted,” and “retained” can replace “commissioned,” each carries distinct nuances:
- Hired: Implies employment.
- Engaged: Suggests an ongoing professional relationship.
- Contracted: Refers to a formal business agreement.
- Retained: Indicates exclusivity in service provision.
Encouraging practice through writing sentences or engaging in conversation using these terms can solidify understanding and expand your vocabulary. By appreciating the subtle differences, you can communicate with precision and clarity across various contexts.