English Reference
Noun

remit

n. countable
C1 Advanced US /ɹiˈmɪt/ UK /ɹˈiːmɪt/ re·mit UK spelling remits, remitted Law

n.the area of work or the set of responsibilities that a person or group is officially given to handle.

n.the specific area of responsibility or authority within which a person or organisation operates. Often refers to the scope of a task or the limits of a mandate.


SIMPLE

The marketing team's remit is to increase brand awareness.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee argued that investigating the new policy was outside their official remit.

COMPLEX

While the central bank's primary remit is to maintain price stability, it must also consider the broader implications of its interest rate decisions on national employment levels.

Usage

Commonly used in British English; often appears in the singular with 'within' or 'outside'.

It seemed one-sided and used sensational language, such as likening medication to corporal punishment.” A Channel 4 spokesperson said the channel had a remit to stimulate public debate and challenge the status quo.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

Appointed in July 2025, Edu's remit included Greek side Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave, who are also owned by Marinakis.

BBC News· 7 Sept 2026

From Middle English remitten, from Latin remittere (“to send, send back”). Compare Old French remettre, remetre, remitter.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin remittō
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated