What does commission mean?
Commission is a versatile word with several interrelated meanings rooted in the idea of entrusting work or authority to someone. Most commonly, it refers either to a fee paid for services — such as the percentage an estate agent or broker earns on a sale — or to the act of formally instructing someone to produce a piece of work, like commissioning a painting or a building. It also names official bodies empowered to investigate or administer matters, such as a royal commission or the European Commission, and in the military denotes the status of holding an officer's rank. As a verb, to commission is to order or authorize the making of something. The term conveys formality and professionalism, appearing throughout business, law, art, and government.
An instruction, task, or role entrusted to a person or group; a fee paid to an agent; a formal body charged with duties; or a military officer's rank.
"The committee received its commission from Parliament."
In financial contexts, 'commission' typically means a percentage-based fee.
To formally order or authorize the creation or production of something, or to appoint someone to a position or rank.
"They commissioned an architect to design the new library."
Used when referring to multiple tasks, fees, or bodies.
"He earned commissions from several clients last quarter."
The word 'commission' comes from Latin 'committere', meaning 'to bring together' — the same root as 'mission' and 'permission'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of commission
Commission derives from the Latin 'commissio', meaning a bringing together or entrusting, formed from 'committere' ('to join, entrust'), itself combining 'com-' ('together') with 'mittere' ('to send'). The word entered English via Old French around the fourteenth century, initially denoting the act of entrusting someone with a charge. Its relatives include mission, permission, admission, emission, and omission — all stemming from the same Latin root 'mittere'.
Related word forms
How commission is actually used
'Commission' carries formal and professional register; it often appears in business, art, legal, and governmental contexts. In British English it frequently denotes investigative bodies (e.g. Royal Commission), while in American English the financial-fee sense is more prominent in everyday usage.
Easily confused with commission
A commissar is an official in communist states responsible for political supervision, whereas commission refers to a task, fee, or body.