-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

48 / 371

noun / verb

commission

Formal authorization to undertake specified work.

His commission authorizes him to serve as an Army officer.

Etymology

comLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly

+missLatinsend

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

Latin con- and mittere combine in committere, which developed the sense of entrusting. A commission entrusts work to someone and supplies the authority needed to carry it out.

More examples

The city commission reviews complaints about public housing.
The museum commissions a local artist to paint a mural.
The Navy commissions the ship after its final sea trials.

Forms

commission · commissions · commissioned · commissioning

commissioner noun — An official appointed to oversee public affairs.

Similar words

authorization: Emphasizes official permission rather than responsibility for specified work.
mandate: Emphasizes an authoritative instruction or duty to act.
assignment: Names a particular task without necessarily granting formal authority.