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REFERENCE

assigned

v. · adj.
US //əˈsaɪnd// UK //ɐsˈaɪnd// as·signed
  1. 1 to give a task (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to give someone a specific job, duty, or piece of work to complete.

    to allocate a task or duty to a person or group. Transitive; typically takes a direct object (the task) and an indirect object (the person).

    Example

    The teacher assigned a long essay to the class for the weekend.

    Example

    The project manager assigned the most technical components of the software build to the senior developers to ensure stability.

    Usage

    Often used in the pattern 'assign something to someone' or 'assign someone something'.

  2. 2 to designate a role or place (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to decide that someone has a particular role or that something belongs in a certain place.

    to designate or appoint someone to a particular position, or to attribute a specific place or value to something.

    Example

    They assigned him to the London office for six months.

    Example

    The diplomat was assigned to the embassy in Cairo during a period of significant regional transition.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the passive voice when referring to job placements.

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  1. 3 designated for a purpose (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describes something that has been chosen for a particular person or use.

    referring to something that has been specifically allocated or designated. Often used in attributive position before a noun.

    Example

    Please sit in your assigned seat before the show starts.

    Example

    Each participant was required to stay within their assigned budget to prevent the project from becoming financially unviable.

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