Explanation at your level:
A mission is a job you have to do. You go somewhere to do it. For example, a space mission is when people go to space to learn things. You have a goal. You work hard to finish your mission.
A mission is a special task or assignment. You might have a mission to help someone. It is an important job. People often use this word for work or school projects. It means you have a plan to reach a goal.
A mission is a specific task that someone is sent to perform. It often involves a clear objective. For example, a rescue mission is a task where people try to save others. You can also have a personal mission, like learning a new language.
The term 'missions' implies a formal or serious undertaking. It is frequently used in professional, military, or scientific contexts. It carries a sense of duty and purpose, suggesting that the person performing the mission is acting on behalf of an organization or a higher goal.
In advanced usage, 'missions' can refer to the overarching purpose of an organization, often called a 'mission statement.' It denotes a strategic intent. Figuratively, it can describe a personal obsession or a deeply held conviction that drives an individual's actions over a long period.
Etymologically, 'missions' reflects the concept of being 'sent forth' with authority. In a literary or historical sense, it can imply a divine or state-sanctioned mandate. It encompasses the nuance of being an agent of change, where the individual is merely the vessel for a broader, institutional, or spiritual objective.
Palavra em 30 segundos
- A mission is an important task.
- It is often used in work or space.
- It is a countable noun.
- It implies a clear goal.
When we talk about missions, we are usually discussing a clear, purposeful task. Think of it as a goal with a 'to-do' list attached. Whether it is a space mission to Mars or a humanitarian mission to provide food, the word implies that someone has been sent with a specific duty.
You will often see this word used in professional, military, or even religious contexts. It suggests that there is a higher purpose or a defined objective that requires focus. It is not just a chore; it is a significant assignment that carries weight and expectation.
The word mission comes from the Latin word missio, which means 'a sending' or 'a dispatch.' It is derived from the verb mittere, meaning 'to send.' This is the same root we see in words like transmit or emit.
Historically, the word was heavily used in religious contexts, referring to the 'sending out' of people to spread a faith. Over the centuries, the meaning expanded to include military operations, diplomatic trips, and eventually, any important task or goal that someone is 'sent' to accomplish.
In daily life, you might hear people talk about their 'mission' to find the perfect cup of coffee. This is a bit of a playful or hyperbolic use of the word. In formal settings, however, it remains reserved for serious objectives.
Common collocations include critical mission, diplomatic mission, or to accomplish a mission. When you use the plural 'missions,' you are usually referring to multiple distinct tasks or a series of operations carried out over time.
1. On a mission: To be very focused on achieving something. Example: She is on a mission to finish her degree this year.
2. Mission critical: Essential to the success of an operation. Example: The software update is mission critical for the server.
3. Mission creep: When a project gradually grows beyond its original scope. Example: The project suffered from mission creep and became too expensive.
4. Impossible mission: A task that seems impossible to complete. Example: Trying to organize that messy closet felt like an impossible mission.
5. Search and rescue mission: A specific type of operation to find missing people. Example: The team launched a search and rescue mission after the storm.
The word missions is the plural form of the noun mission. It is a countable noun, meaning you can have one mission or many missions. It is usually preceded by an article (a/the) or a quantifier (several, many).
Pronunciation (US): /ˈmɪʃ.ənz/. Pronunciation (UK): /ˈmɪʃ.ənz/. The stress is on the first syllable. It rhymes with fission, vision (sort of), and petitions.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'message'.
Examples by Level
The mission is to find the ball.
The job is to find the ball.
Subject + is + infinitive.
They have many missions.
They have many tasks.
Plural noun.
My mission is to help.
My goal is to help.
Possessive pronoun.
The space mission is long.
The trip to space is long.
Adjective + noun.
He likes his mission.
He likes his job.
Verb + object.
We finished our missions.
We finished our tasks.
Past tense verb.
The mission is hard.
The task is difficult.
Subject + adjective.
Is this your mission?
Is this your job?
Question structure.
The team completed their missions on time.
She is on a mission to learn Spanish.
The company has many missions this year.
He went on a dangerous mission.
Our mission is to provide clean water.
They prepared for their missions carefully.
The secret mission was a success.
We support the missions of the charity.
The astronaut prepared for his upcoming space missions.
The NGO focuses on humanitarian missions in remote areas.
Her mission in life is to protect the environment.
The military conducted several reconnaissance missions.
We need to define our missions clearly before starting.
The diplomat was sent on a series of missions.
His missions often took him to different countries.
The organization's missions are outlined in the brochure.
The company's mission statement guides all its decisions.
He felt he was on a mission to expose the truth.
The rescue missions were hampered by bad weather.
They are committed to the missions of peace and stability.
The project has evolved into a series of complex missions.
She dedicated her career to humanitarian missions abroad.
The success of the missions depends on teamwork.
His missions were always characterized by meticulous planning.
The agency's missions have expanded significantly over the last decade.
She viewed her work as a mission, not just a job.
The clandestine missions were shrouded in secrecy.
The mission-critical nature of the task required absolute focus.
They embarked on a mission to reform the entire system.
The missions were executed with surgical precision.
His life was defined by a series of noble missions.
The institution's missions are deeply rooted in its heritage.
The missionary zeal with which he approached his missions was inspiring.
The missions were emblematic of the era's expansionist policies.
He felt a profound sense of duty, as if his missions were predestined.
The subtle shift in the missions reflected the changing political climate.
The missions were, in essence, a manifestation of their core values.
The complexity of the missions required a multifaceted approach.
She undertook these missions with an unwavering sense of purpose.
The historical significance of these missions cannot be overstated.
Colocações comuns
Idioms & Expressions
"On a mission"
Very focused on a goal.
She is on a mission to get fit.
casual"Mission critical"
Vital for success.
This data is mission critical.
formal"Mission creep"
Expanding scope.
Avoid mission creep in your project.
business"Impossible mission"
A very hard task.
It feels like an impossible mission.
casual"Search and rescue mission"
Finding lost people.
They started a search and rescue mission.
neutral"Mission accomplished"
The job is done.
The bridge is built; mission accomplished!
casualEasily Confused
Both are tasks.
Errands are short/daily; missions are important.
I have an errand to run vs. I have a mission to complete.
Both are tasks.
Chores are boring/repetitive.
Cleaning is a chore.
Both relate to goals.
Vision is the big picture.
Our vision is a better world.
Both are goals.
Quests are adventurous.
A quest for gold.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is on a mission to + verb
He is on a mission to win.
The mission of + noun + is to + verb
The mission of the team is to win.
To accomplish a mission
They worked to accomplish the mission.
A series of missions
They had a series of missions.
Mission-critical + noun
It is mission-critical data.
Família de palavras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Erros comuns
Mission implies something bigger.
Different meanings.
Needs an article.
English plural rules.
Mission is more formal.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a secret agent on a mission.
Native usage
Use it for big goals.
Cultural Insight
Often used in movies.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use an article.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'sh' sound.
Avoid
Don't use it for small chores.
Did You Know?
Latin root 'mittere'.
Study Smart
Use it in sentences.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Mission: M-I-S-S-I-O-N. Make It Something Special, In Our Name.
Visual Association
An astronaut walking on the moon.
Word Web
Desafio
Write down 3 missions you have for this week.
Origem da palavra
Latin
Original meaning: A sending
Contexto cultural
Can be sensitive in colonial historical contexts.
Often associated with religious groups or military/space programs.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Work
- mission statement
- accomplish mission
- team mission
Space
- space mission
- launch mission
- mission control
Charity
- humanitarian mission
- rescue mission
- mission of mercy
Daily life
- on a mission
- impossible mission
- shopping mission
Conversation Starters
"What is your current mission in life?"
"Do you like space missions?"
"Have you ever been on a secret mission?"
"What is the mission of your favorite company?"
"Is it hard to finish a long mission?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a mission you completed.
If you were an astronaut, what would your mission be?
Describe a time you were on a mission to help someone.
What is your mission for this year?
Perguntas frequentes
8 perguntasNo, it is used in many fields.
Yes, for personal goals.
Yes.
A summary of a company's goals.
MISH-unz.
Rarely.
When a project grows too big.
Yes, in a playful way.
Teste-se
My ___ is to learn English.
Mission fits the context of a goal.
What is a mission?
A mission is a task.
A mission is always very easy.
Missions are usually important tasks.
Word
Significado
Synonyms.
Correct sentence structure.
Pontuação: /5
Summary
A mission is a purposeful goal that drives your actions forward.
- A mission is an important task.
- It is often used in work or space.
- It is a countable noun.
- It implies a clear goal.
Memory Palace
Imagine a secret agent on a mission.
Native usage
Use it for big goals.
Cultural Insight
Often used in movies.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use an article.
Related Content
Aprenda no contexto
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'i' sound, followed by 'shun' sound.
Similar to UK, very clear 'sh' sound.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'sh' as 's'.
- Adding an extra syllable.
- Stressing the second syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avançado
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
One mission, two missions.
Articles with Nouns
A mission.
Verb Patterns
Mission to do something.
