Corrections Officer Entrance (CJBAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following terms is a synonym for "assign"?

1. Delegate

2. Retain

3. Distribute

4. Resign

The correct answer is: Delegate

The term "assign" refers to the act of designating or appointing someone to a task, responsibility, or role. "Delegate" is a synonym for "assign" because it involves entrusting or designating duties or tasks to another person, often in a professional or administrative context. This action indicates that responsibility is being passed on to someone capable of handling it, which aligns perfectly with the meaning of assigning tasks. In contrast, "retain" means to keep possession of something, "distribute" refers to the act of handing out or spreading something among a group, and "resign" means to voluntarily leave a position or job. These terms do not convey the same idea as "assign," making them unsuitable as synonyms in this context. Thus, "delegate" is the most fitting synonym for "assign."