task
A task-oriented person is someone who focuses on getting their specific work done.
Explanation at your level:
A task is a job you have to do. When we use it as an adjective, we talk about things for work. A task chair is a chair for your desk. It helps you do your work well.
You use task to describe things made for work. A task force is a group that works on one project. It is very common in offices.
The adjective task describes tools or groups meant for a specific job. For example, a task-based curriculum uses specific activities to teach students, rather than just reading books.
Using task as an adjective highlights efficiency. A task-oriented person focuses on results. This is often used in professional performance reviews to describe someone who is very productive.
In advanced contexts, task as an adjective denotes a specialized focus. We often see it in task-specific software, which is designed to perform one function perfectly. It implies a departure from general-purpose tools toward high-precision instruments.
The adjective task functions as a marker of teleological design—meaning the object or group is defined entirely by its end goal. In academic or technical literature, it describes systems optimized for singular objectives, emphasizing the alignment of resources with specific outcomes.
30초 단어
- Task as an adjective describes things for specific work.
- Commonly used in compound words like task-oriented.
- It implies efficiency and goal-focus.
- Always hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
When we use task as an adjective, we are usually talking about how something is organized. Think of a task force—a group of people brought together for one specific mission. It isn't a general club; it is a group with a singular purpose.
You will see this word used in business and tech settings often. For example, a task chair is a chair designed specifically for working at a desk, not for lounging. It is all about the functionality of the object or group in relation to a goal.
The word task comes from the Old Northern French word tasque, which meant a piece of work imposed by a superior. It traces back to the Medieval Latin tasca, a variation of taxa, which is also the root of the word tax.
Historically, it was about a specific amount of labor required as a payment or duty. Over time, the meaning evolved from a heavy burden or tax to any specific piece of work. Using it as an adjective is a more modern development, highlighting the functional nature of the work being done.
As an adjective, task almost always acts as a modifier before a noun. You will hear phrases like task-oriented, task-specific, or task-based learning.
It is common in professional environments. If you are in a meeting and someone mentions a task list, they are referring to the specific items needing completion. It is a very pragmatic and efficient word to use.
While 'task' is often a noun, these expressions use the concept of a task: 1. Take to task: To scold or criticize someone. Example: The boss took him to task for the late report. 2. Up to the task: Having the ability to do something. Example: Is she up to the task of leading the team? 3. A thankless task: A job that no one appreciates. Example: Cleaning the office kitchen is a thankless task. 4. Set a task: To assign work. Example: The teacher set a difficult task for the class. 5. Task at hand: The current job you are doing. Example: Let's focus on the task at hand.
When used as an adjective, it is invariable, meaning it doesn't change form. It is pronounced /tæsk/ in both British and American English. It rhymes with mask, cask, and flask.
It is almost exclusively used in attributive position (before the noun it describes). You wouldn't say 'the group is task'; you would say 'the task group is efficient'.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'tax' because work was once a form of payment.
Pronunciation Guide
Long 'a' sound
Short 'a' sound
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'k' too softly
- Confusing with 'test'
- Wrong vowel length
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
고급
Grammar to Know
Compound Adjectives
task-oriented
Noun Adjuncts
task force
Examples by Level
This is a task chair.
task chair = chair for work
Attributive adjective
We have a task list.
task list = list of jobs
Noun adjunct
The task force met.
task force = work group
Compound noun
He is task-focused.
task-focused = focus on work
Hyphenated adjective
Use the task tool.
task tool = tool for work
Attributive
It is a task item.
task item = item to do
Attributive
They need task help.
task help = help with work
Attributive
Is it a task day?
task day = day for work
Attributive
The task force finished early.
She is a very task-oriented manager.
We need a task-specific solution.
He bought a new task light for his desk.
The task group reported to the CEO.
This is a task-based assignment.
They created a task board.
The task requirements are clear.
Our team is highly task-oriented.
The software offers task-based automation.
He struggled with the task-specific instructions.
The committee formed a task force to investigate.
We need a more task-focused approach.
The task chair provides great support.
She manages the task list daily.
The task environment is very busy.
The project requires a task-centric methodology.
His task-oriented nature makes him efficient.
The task force was disbanded after the goal was met.
We are implementing a task-based learning system.
The task-specific hardware is quite expensive.
They adopted a task-driven workflow.
The task management software is down.
He is known for his task-oriented leadership style.
The architecture is designed for task-specific performance.
A task-oriented paradigm shift is necessary here.
The task-based nature of the curriculum enhances retention.
The task force was composed of experts.
We need to optimize the task-driven processes.
The task-centric design minimizes distractions.
Her task-oriented approach is refreshing.
The task-specific constraints were challenging.
The system employs a task-oriented scheduling algorithm.
Such a task-specific heuristic is rarely efficient.
The task-based ontology allows for better data mapping.
His task-centric focus borders on obsession.
The task force's mandate was strictly limited.
We require a task-oriented framework for this analysis.
The task-driven nature of the project is evident.
A task-specific optimization is required for this module.
동의어
반의어
자주 쓰는 조합
Idioms & Expressions
"take to task"
to scold
The manager took him to task.
formal"up to the task"
capable
Are you up to the task?
neutral"thankless task"
unappreciated work
It was a thankless task.
neutral"task at hand"
current job
Focus on the task at hand.
neutral"set a task"
assign work
The boss set a new task.
neutral"monumental task"
huge job
It was a monumental task.
formalEasily Confused
Both mean work
Job is general; task is specific.
My job is to teach; my task is to grade this paper.
Both mean obligation
Duty is moral/legal; task is practical.
It is my duty to vote; it is my task to finish this.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + task-oriented
He is task-oriented.
They formed a + task + noun
They formed a task force.
Use a + task + noun
Use a task chair.
The + task + noun + is + adj
The task list is long.
This is a + task-based + noun
This is a task-based system.
어휘 가족
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
관련
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
자주 하는 실수
Task as a verb is usually formal (to task someone with something).
You need the adjective form.
Different meanings and spelling.
Adjectives need nouns.
Task implies a specific, defined piece of work.
Tips
Use it in business
Use 'task-oriented' to describe productive colleagues.
Hyphens are key
Always hyphenate task-based, task-oriented, task-specific.
Tax connection
It shares a root with tax!
Visualizing
Imagine a 'task' as a single box on a checklist.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
TASK: To Achieve Specific Knowledge.
Visual Association
A person with a checklist (task list).
Word Web
챌린지
Write down 3 'task-oriented' goals for today.
어원
Old Northern French
Original meaning: Piece of work imposed as a duty
문화적 맥락
None
Very common in US corporate culture (task-oriented).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- task-oriented
- task force
- task management
Education
- task-based learning
- task assignment
Tech
- task-specific software
- task bar
Conversation Starters
"Are you a task-oriented person?"
"Do you prefer task-based learning?"
"What is the hardest task you have done?"
"Do you use a task list?"
"Have you ever been on a task force?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were very task-oriented.
What is your favorite task-based activity?
How do you manage your daily task list?
Why is being task-oriented good for business?
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문Yes, but usually before a noun.
Yes, it is a compound adjective.
A group for a specific mission.
It is neutral and common in business.
Using tasks to learn or do things.
No, you need a noun like 'task-oriented'.
Task implies a specific duty.
Like 'mask'.
셀프 테스트
He is very ___ oriented.
The term is task-oriented.
What is a task force?
A task force is a group organized for a specific mission.
Is 'task' an adjective?
Yes, it can be used attributively.
Word
뜻
These are common compound adjectives.
He is very task-oriented.
점수: /5
Summary
When you see 'task' as an adjective, think of a specific tool or mindset designed to get a job done efficiently.
- Task as an adjective describes things for specific work.
- Commonly used in compound words like task-oriented.
- It implies efficiency and goal-focus.
- Always hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
Use it in business
Use 'task-oriented' to describe productive colleagues.
Hyphens are key
Always hyphenate task-based, task-oriented, task-specific.
Tax connection
It shares a root with tax!
Visualizing
Imagine a 'task' as a single box on a checklist.
예시
She positioned the task lamp so she could see the fine print of the contract.
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Work 관련 단어
objective
A2객관적이라는 것은 개인적인 감정에 치우치지 않고 중립적이라는 뜻이에요. 감정이 아니라 사실에 근거하는 거죠.
patrol
A1안전한지 확인하기 위해 어떤 지역을 돌아다니는 사람이나 그룹을 말해요. 그 순찰 행위 자체를 뜻하기도 해요.
administrator
C1A person responsible for carrying out the administration of a business or organization, focusing on management, organization, and the implementation of policies. In academic or government settings, it refers to an official who manages operations rather than performing the primary technical or teaching work.
survey
B2어떤 주제에 대해 많은 사람들에게 의견을 물어 정보를 수집하는 방법입니다.
peritriber
C1To systematically examine, traverse, or probe the boundaries of a specific domain, organization, or social group. It often implies a methodical approach to identifying limits, weaknesses, or entry points without necessarily entering the core.
improve
A2To make something better or to become better in quality, value, or condition. It is used to describe progress in skills, health, or the state of an object.
cosuperal
C1A person who shares the same level of supervisory authority or oversight as another within an organization or project. It refers to a peer in a high-ranking position who must collaborate on decision-making and leadership tasks.
repassor
C1A specialized machine or operative in the textile industry that passes fibers through a combing or drawing process for a second time. This refining step ensures that the fibers are perfectly aligned and uniform before being spun into high-quality yarn.
schedule
B2A plan that lists events, tasks, or appointments along with the specific times they are intended to happen. It serves as a structural guide to help individuals or organizations manage their time and resources effectively.
breather
B2A short period of rest or relief from a strenuous activity, often taken to recover one's energy or composure. It is commonly used to describe a pause in the middle of a busy schedule or a physical workout.
