At the A1 level, 'commission' is a very difficult word. You might only see it if you are talking about a job. It usually means a group of people who make rules, like a 'School Commission'. However, most A1 learners should focus on simpler words like 'group' or 'pay'. If you hear 'commission', think of it as a special type of work or a group of important people. Example: 'The city commission meets today.'
At the A2 level, you might encounter 'commission' when talking about shopping or jobs. It can mean the extra money a salesperson gets. For example, 'He gets a commission when he sells a car.' It can also mean a group that decides things. You might see it in news headlines. It is a formal word. Don't worry about the complex legal meanings yet; just remember it relates to 'money for selling' or 'a formal group'.
At the B1 level, you should recognize 'commission' in three ways. First, as a group (The European Commission). Second, as a percentage of money earned in sales (working on commission). Third, as a formal request for a job, especially in art. If a famous person asks a painter to paint them, that is a commission. You should start using it in business contexts: 'What is your commission rate?'
At the B2 level, 'commission' becomes a versatile tool for your vocabulary. You should be comfortable using it to describe investigative bodies ('A commission was set up to look into the accident'). You should also understand the verb form (to commission someone to do something). You will see it in academic texts and professional emails. You should also know the phrase 'out of commission', which means something is not working or not in use (e.g., 'The elevator is out of commission').
At the C1 level, you must master the nuances. This includes the 'commission of a crime' (the act of doing it) and the military meaning (receiving a commission as an officer). You should understand the difference between 'sins of commission' and 'sins of omission'. You should be able to discuss 'commissioning' as a process in engineering or project management—the stage where a system is tested and made operational. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between a 'fee', a 'royalty', and a 'commission'.
At the C2 level, 'commission' is used with absolute precision across legal, artistic, and philosophical contexts. You understand it as a delegation of sovereign power. You can use it in complex sentences regarding 'the commission of acts' in international law. You recognize it in historical contexts, such as the 'Commission of Array'. You are familiar with its use in technical fields, such as 'commissioning a ship' or 'commissioning a nuclear power plant', involving rigorous certification and formal handover. You use the word to convey authority and formality.

commission 30초 만에

  • A formal group of people (e.g., The Election Commission).
  • A percentage of money paid for a sale (e.g., 5% commission).
  • A formal request to create something (e.g., an art commission).
  • The act of doing something, like a crime (e.g., commission of a theft).

The term commission is a multifaceted noun that operates across three primary domains: professional tasks, organizational structures, and financial transactions. At its core, it represents the act of granting authority or a specific mandate to an individual or group. In the artistic and professional world, a commission is a formal request for the creation of a specific work—be it a portrait, a musical composition, or a technical report. This implies a contract where the creator is hired specifically to bring a vision to life. Beyond individual tasks, the word describes a formal body of people, often appointed by a government or international organization, tasked with investigating a specific issue or managing a public function. Finally, in the commercial sphere, it refers to the variable payment made to an agent or salesperson, typically calculated as a percentage of the total sale value.

The Artistic Mandate
A specific order for a work of art or a piece of music, often involving a detailed brief and a set deadline.
The Official Body
A group of officials chosen to perform a particular duty, such as the 'Election Commission' or the 'European Commission'.
The Financial Incentive
A sum of money paid to an employee upon completion of a task, usually selling a certain amount of goods or services.

"The renowned architect accepted a prestigious commission to design the new national library, a project that would define his legacy."

"The government established an independent commission to investigate the causes of the financial crisis."

"Real estate agents typically earn a 3% commission on the final sale price of a property."

"The officer received his commission after graduating from the military academy, granting him the rank of second lieutenant."

"The commission of the crime was caught on several high-definition security cameras."

Understanding 'commission' requires recognizing whether the focus is on the *authority* given, the *group* exercising that authority, or the *reward* for the work performed. In high-level English, it is rarely used for simple chores; it implies a formal, often legal or professional, arrangement. Whether it is a commission of inquiry or a sales commission, the underlying theme is the delegation of responsibility or the valuation of a specific outcome.

Using 'commission' correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs and prepositions depending on the intended meaning. Because it is a versatile noun, its grammatical environment shifts significantly between business, art, and law. When referring to money, we use verbs like 'earn', 'pay', or 'work on'. When referring to a task, we 'accept', 'receive', or 'carry out' a commission. When referring to a group, we 'establish', 'appoint', or 'serve on' a commission.

Collocations and Verb Pairings

  • Financial: To earn a commission, to charge a commission, to work on commission (meaning your salary is based on sales).
  • Professional/Artistic: To undertake a commission, to fulfill a commission, a private commission versus a public commission.
  • Administrative: To set up a commission, to head a commission, to report to the commission.

Grammar Tip: 'Commission' is usually countable when referring to a task or a group ('three commissions', 'the two commissions'). However, when referring to the general concept of being paid via percentage, it can function as an uncountable noun ('He works on commission').

In formal writing, 'commission' is often used to describe the act of doing something wrong, specifically in the phrase 'sins of commission' (doing something you shouldn't) versus 'sins of omission' (failing to do something you should). This is a C2-level nuance that adds depth to ethical or legal discussions. Furthermore, in military contexts, 'to receive a commission' is the specific terminology for becoming an officer, distinguishing them from 'enlisted' personnel.

You will encounter 'commission' in four distinct environments, each with its own flavor. In Corporate Environments, it is the language of the sales floor and the boardroom. Sales representatives discuss their 'commission structures', while executives might discuss 'commissioning a market research study'. In Government and News, you will hear about 'Royal Commissions' (in the UK/Australia) or 'Congressional Commissions' (in the US). These are high-stakes investigative bodies that dominate headlines during scandals or major policy shifts.

In the Art World, 'commission' is the bread and butter of professional creators. An illustrator might say, 'I'm not taking new commissions right now,' meaning they are too busy with existing custom orders. Finally, in Historical and Military contexts, documentaries often mention 'commissioned officers', referring to those who hold a rank granted by a sovereign or a high government authority.

Business News"The brokerage firm announced a reduction in trading commissions to compete with fintech startups."
Art Gallery"This sculpture was a special commission for the city's bicentennial celebration."

When listening to podcasts or reading journals, pay attention to the scale. A 'commission' is rarely a small, informal request between friends. It carries the weight of a formal agreement, whether that agreement is financial, creative, or political.

The most frequent error is confusing 'commission' with 'mission' or 'commitment'. While a 'mission' is a broad purpose or a specific journey, a 'commission' is the formal authority or payment associated with a task. You don't 'earn a mission' on a sale; you earn a commission. Similarly, 'commitment' refers to dedication, whereas 'commission' refers to the task itself or the group performing it.

  • "I received a commission to the gym every day." (Incorrect: Use 'commitment')
  • "I received a commission to write a symphony for the festival." (Correct: A formal task)
  • "The police are investigating the mission of the crime." (Incorrect: Use 'commission')
  • "The police are investigating the commission of the fraud." (Correct: The act of committing)

Another mistake involves the preposition. We say 'on commission' for sales pay, but 'by commission' is rarely used. When referring to a group, we say 'The Commission on Human Rights', not 'The Commission of Human Rights' (though 'of' is sometimes used, 'on' is more standard for the subject matter). Lastly, remember that 'commission' as a noun for a group is often treated as a singular entity ('The commission has decided'), but in British English, it can sometimes take a plural verb ('The commission have decided').

To truly master 'commission', you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Depending on the context, you might choose a more specific word to sound more precise.

Committee vs. Commission
A committee is often a sub-group of a larger organization (like a school committee). A commission is usually more formal, often independent, and frequently appointed by a high authority for a specific, often temporary, investigation.
Fee vs. Commission
A fee is a fixed price for a service (like a lawyer's fee). A commission is typically a percentage of a larger sum (like a real estate commission).
Mandate vs. Commission
A mandate is the authority given by voters or a leader to carry out a policy. A commission is the specific task or the group assigned to do it.
Assignment vs. Commission
An assignment is a general task (like homework). A commission is more formal and often involves a contract or a professional/artistic creation.

In the context of 'the commission of a crime', the closest synonym is 'perpetration'. While 'perpetration' sounds very legalistic, 'commission' is the standard term used in the phrase 'commission of an offense' in legal codes.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Nouns used as verbs (to commission)

Prepositional phrases (on commission)

Collective nouns (The commission is/are)

Compound nouns (Commission rate)

Gerunds (The commissioning of...)

수준별 예문

1

The commission is in the office.

The group of people.

Singular noun.

2

He gets a small commission.

Extra money.

Countable noun.

3

The city commission is big.

The local government group.

Subject-verb agreement.

4

Is there a commission for this?

A fee or task.

Question form.

5

The commission meets at ten.

The group starts their meeting.

Present simple for schedules.

6

She works for the commission.

She is an employee of the group.

Preposition 'for'.

7

They paid the commission.

They gave the money.

Past simple.

8

This is a new commission.

A new task or group.

Adjective + noun.

1

The salesman earns a 5% commission.

Percentage of sales.

Percentage + noun.

2

The commission will write a report.

The group will produce a document.

Future with 'will'.

3

She received a commission to paint a mural.

A formal request for art.

Noun + infinitive.

4

The elevator is out of commission.

Not working.

Idiomatic phrase.

5

He resigned from the commission.

He left the group.

Preposition 'from'.

6

The bank charges a high commission.

A fee for service.

Verb 'charge'.

7

They formed a commission to help the poor.

Created a group.

Verb 'form'.

8

The commission's decision was final.

The group's choice.

Possessive form.

1

Most real estate agents work solely on commission.

Their only pay is from sales.

Prepositional phrase 'on commission'.

2

The European Commission proposes new laws.

The EU's executive body.

Proper noun usage.

3

He accepted a commission from the local council.

A formal job offer.

Verb 'accept'.

4

The commission of the crime was caught on tape.

The act of doing the crime.

Formal usage.

5

We need to set up a commission of inquiry.

A group to investigate.

Compound noun.

6

The artist is working on a private commission.

A job for an individual.

Adjective 'private'.

7

The commission is composed of ten experts.

Made up of.

Passive structure.

8

They are debating the commission's findings.

The results of the investigation.

Gerund 'debating'.

1

The ship was placed in commission last month.

Made ready for service.

Nautical terminology.

2

The commission has a mandate to reform the tax system.

Official authority.

Noun 'mandate'.

3

Sales staff are often motivated by high commissions.

Financial incentives.

Passive voice.

4

The commission of such acts is strictly prohibited.

The performance of these actions.

Formal/Legal tone.

5

She was granted a commission in the Royal Air Force.

Became an officer.

Military context.

6

The building was a commission for the World's Fair.

Specifically ordered for an event.

Preposition 'for'.

7

The commission is currently reviewing the evidence.

Examining the facts.

Present continuous.

8

There is a 2% commission on all currency exchanges.

A fee for changing money.

Preposition 'on'.

1

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission sought to heal the nation.

A specific historical body.

Historical proper noun.

2

The commission of the offense carries a mandatory prison sentence.

The act of committing the crime.

Legal phrasing.

3

He struggled with the commission of his duties under such pressure.

Performing his tasks.

Abstract usage.

4

The composer's latest commission premiered at the Albert Hall.

The new piece of music.

Possessive noun.

5

The commission has been criticized for its lack of transparency.

Not being open about actions.

Present perfect passive.

6

The agency takes a hefty commission from every booking.

A large percentage of money.

Adjective 'hefty'.

7

The commissioning of the power plant took several months.

The process of making it operational.

Gerund as subject.

8

The officer resigned his commission in protest of the war.

Gave up his rank.

Military idiom.

1

The intricate commission of the heist required months of planning.

The execution of the crime.

Nuanced noun usage.

2

She viewed her life's work as a divine commission.

A task given by a higher power.

Metaphorical usage.

3

The treaty provides for the establishment of a joint commission.

A shared regulatory body.

Diplomatic language.

4

The artist's refusal to accept the commission was seen as a political statement.

Declining a formal request.

Complex sentence structure.

5

The commission's report was a scathing indictment of the industry.

A very critical document.

Collocation 'scathing indictment'.

6

The broker's commission was contingent upon the deal's closure.

Only paid if the deal finishes.

Adjective 'contingent'.

7

The commission of the manuscript to the archives was a formal ceremony.

The act of entrusting/handing over.

Rare/Formal usage.

8

He was accused of sins of commission, actively undermining the project.

Wrongful actions taken.

Ethical/Philosophical idiom.

반의어

omission refusal rejection

자주 쓰는 조합

Earn a commission
Royal Commission
High Commission
Sales commission
Artistic commission
Accept a commission
Out of commission
Commission of inquiry
Charge a commission
Joint commission

자주 혼동되는 단어

commission vs Mission

commission vs Commitment

commission vs Committee

혼동하기 쉬운

commission vs Mission

commission vs Committee

commission vs Omission

commission vs Permission

commission vs Provision

문장 패턴

사용법

art

Refers to the contract for a specific work.

military

Refers to the document and rank of an officer.

engineering

Refers to the process of bringing a system into operation.

자주 하는 실수
  • Confusing 'commission' with 'commitment'.
  • Using 'of' instead of 'on' for sales pay.
  • Saying 'I have a commission' when you just mean 'I have a job'.
  • Misspelling it with one 's' or one 'm'.
  • Confusing 'commission' (the act) with 'omission' (the lack of act).

Countability

Remember that 'commission' (money) is often uncountable when used with 'on'.

Formal Writing

Use 'commission' instead of 'job' or 'group' to sound more professional.

Broken Stuff

Use 'out of commission' for a broken printer or a tired colleague.

Negotiation

When discussing pay, always clarify the 'commission structure'.

Portfolio

Artists should list their 'selected commissions' to show professional experience.

Crime

Use 'commission of an offense' in legal discussions.

Rank

Understand that 'commissioned' means the person is an officer.

Precision

Distinguish between a commission (the group) and its mandate (the power).

Root Word

Remember 'mission' is inside 'commission' to help you remember it's a task.

암기하기

어원

Latin

문화적 맥락

Royal Commissions are prestigious and independent.

Regulatory bodies like the FCC or SEC are called Commissions.

Commissions are the standard way public art is funded.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Do you think sales jobs should be based only on commission?"

"Have you ever commissioned a piece of art or a craft?"

"What is the most famous government commission in your country?"

"Is the elevator in your building ever out of commission?"

"How much commission do real estate agents usually get here?"

일기 주제

Describe a time you were given a formal commission to do something.

If you were to head a government commission, what issue would you investigate?

Write about the pros and cons of working on a commission-only salary.

Reflect on a 'sin of commission' you've witnessed in the news.

Imagine you are commissioning a statue of yourself. What would it look like?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It means something is not working, broken, or unavailable for use. It can apply to machines or even people if they are sick.

No, a salary is fixed, while a commission is usually a variable amount based on how much you sell.

It is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.

Yes, but it implies a formal or professional request, usually involving payment.

An officer in the military who has received a formal document (commission) giving them their rank and authority.

No, it can also be a verb, meaning to formally ask someone to do a task or to make a system operational.

These are harmful actions that someone actively performs, as opposed to 'sins of omission', which are failures to act.

Usually by multiplying the total sale price by the commission percentage (e.g., $1000 * 5% = $50).

A formal group set up by a government to investigate a specific problem or event.

'On commission' refers to pay. 'In commission' (rare) refers to a ship being ready for service.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

관련 콘텐츠

Business 관련 단어

abmercship

C1

상업 시장과 상업적 영향으로부터 완전히 독립된 상태를 의미합니다. 이는 무역과 금전적 교환의 전통적인 틀에서 완전히 벗어나 운영되는 시스템, 행동 또는 개체를 설명합니다. 이 개념은 대체 경제 및 의도적인 커뮤니티에 대한 논의에서 자주 탐구됩니다.

account

A2

어떤 일이 일어난 이유나 근거를 설명하다.

accountant

B2

회계사는 재무 기록을 유지, 검사 및 분석하는 책임을 지는 전문가입니다.

acquisition

B2

이 회사의 인수는 어제 완료되었습니다.

acumen

B2

그녀의 뛰어난 사업적 수완 덕분에 회사가 성장했습니다.

administrate

B2

관리하다는 조직의 운영을 관리하거나 감독하는 것을 의미합니다.

administration

C1

행정은 조직이나 정부를 운영하고 관리하는 과정을 의미합니다.

administrative

C1

기업, 기관 또는 정부의 관리 및 운영과 관련된.

advertisement

A1

광고는 제품, 서비스 또는 일자리에 대해 사람들에게 알리는 공고, 사진 또는 짧은 영화입니다. 주요 목적은 사람들이 무언가를 구매하도록 설득하거나 대중에게 정보를 제공하는 것입니다. 광고는 현대 마케팅의 필수 요소이며, 관심을 끌고 소비자 결정을 영향시키는 것을 목표로 합니다.

advertiser

B2

광고주는 광고 비용을 지불하는 개인이나 기업을 말합니다. 제품이나 서비스를 홍보하기 위해 다양한 매체를 활용합니다.

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