noun

commission

fee, committee, task, order

He earns a 10% commission on sales.

He earns a 10% commission on sales.

A commission was set up to investigate the accident.

A commission was set up to investigate the accident.

She received a commission to paint the portrait.

She received a commission to paint the portrait.

`a commission on sth.` a payment based on the value of sales. He earns a good commission on his sales.

`a commission to do sth.` an official task or order to do something. The artist received a commission to paint the queen.

`a commission of inquiry` a formal group set up to investigate something. The government established a commission of inquiry.

Synonyms: (fee) percentage, cut; (committee) board, panel; (task) assignment, job.

From Latin 'commissio', 'a sending together'. From 'com-' (with, together) + 'missio' (a sending), from 'mittere' (to send).

Think of it as a 'co-mission'. A group sent on a mission together is a 'committee'. A special mission given to someone is a 'task'. Payment for that mission is a 'fee'.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.