English vocabulary · B2
Relegate
/ˈrɛl.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ · v.
It means to move someone to a lower or less important position.
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Example sentences
- The manager was relegated to a smaller office.
- The team lost and was relegated to a lower division.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- re — back (from Latin)
- leg — send (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DEMOTE — lower someone's job level (Rank & Job Title)
- DOWNGRADE — reduce to a lower grade (Status & Value)
- DISMISS — send away from a role (Remove Completely)
Words with the same root
leg — send
- delegate — to send someone to act for you
- legacy — something sent down from the past
- allege — to send out a claim without proof
Lesson notes
Relegate. It means to move someone or something to a lower or less important position.
Similar words are demote, downgrade, and dismiss. Use relegate when someone is moved down in rank or pushed aside.
The manager was relegated to a smaller office. The team lost and was relegated to a lower division.
From Latin. Re- means back. Leg- means send. Send back to a lower place — that is relegate.