English Reference

Word

remit

Phoneticsre·mit, stress on the second syllable

US/ɹiˈmɪt/

UK/ɹˈiːmɪt/

Countable noun

Definition

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.

Examples

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

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

“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.”

Examples

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'.

Real-World Examples

“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

Etymology

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.

Word family

Domain

Law

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Occasional
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference