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• assignment (noun)
• My assignment was to clean the equipment. = They gave me the assignment of cleaning the equipment.
• The students were given a homework assignment .
• The reporter's assignment is to interview the candidate.
• The reporter is here on an assignment .
• The reporter is here on assignment .
• The article discusses the recent assignment of senators to some of the more powerful committees.
• her assignment to the embassy in India
• the computer's assignment of a number to each image
• the assignment of blame/responsibility
• the assignment of property
• She asked if she could change her seating assignment .

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Definition of assign

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

Definition of assign  (Entry 2 of 2)

• intrust

ascribe , attribute , assign , impute , credit mean to lay something to the account of a person or thing.

ascribe suggests an inferring or conjecturing of cause, quality, authorship.

attribute suggests less tentativeness than ascribe , less definiteness than assign .

assign implies ascribing with certainty or after deliberation.

impute suggests ascribing something that brings discredit by way of accusation or blame.

credit implies ascribing a thing or especially an action to a person or other thing as its agent, source, or explanation.

Examples of assign in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assign.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French assigner , from Latin assignare , from ad- + signare to mark, from signum mark, sign

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing assign

• pre - assign

Dictionary Entries Near assign

Cite this entry.

“Assign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assign. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of assign, legal definition, legal definition of assign.

Legal Definition of assign  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on assign

Nglish: Translation of assign for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of assign for Arabic Speakers

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Understanding Assignments

What this handout is about.

The first step in any successful college writing venture is reading the assignment. While this sounds like a simple task, it can be a tough one. This handout will help you unravel your assignment and begin to craft an effective response. Much of the following advice will involve translating typical assignment terms and practices into meaningful clues to the type of writing your instructor expects. See our short video for more tips.

Basic beginnings

Regardless of the assignment, department, or instructor, adopting these two habits will serve you well :

• Read the assignment carefully as soon as you receive it. Do not put this task off—reading the assignment at the beginning will save you time, stress, and problems later. An assignment can look pretty straightforward at first, particularly if the instructor has provided lots of information. That does not mean it will not take time and effort to complete; you may even have to learn a new skill to complete the assignment.
• Ask the instructor about anything you do not understand. Do not hesitate to approach your instructor. Instructors would prefer to set you straight before you hand the paper in. That’s also when you will find their feedback most useful.

Assignment formats

Many assignments follow a basic format. Assignments often begin with an overview of the topic, include a central verb or verbs that describe the task, and offer some additional suggestions, questions, or prompts to get you started.

An Overview of Some Kind

The instructor might set the stage with some general discussion of the subject of the assignment, introduce the topic, or remind you of something pertinent that you have discussed in class. For example:

“Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics,” or “In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly …”

The Task of the Assignment

Pay attention; this part tells you what to do when you write the paper. Look for the key verb or verbs in the sentence. Words like analyze, summarize, or compare direct you to think about your topic in a certain way. Also pay attention to words such as how, what, when, where, and why; these words guide your attention toward specific information. (See the section in this handout titled “Key Terms” for more information.)

“Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution”, or “Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin’s.”

Additional Material to Think about

Here you will find some questions to use as springboards as you begin to think about the topic. Instructors usually include these questions as suggestions rather than requirements. Do not feel compelled to answer every question unless the instructor asks you to do so. Pay attention to the order of the questions. Sometimes they suggest the thinking process your instructor imagines you will need to follow to begin thinking about the topic.

“You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils, or Can there be such a thing as ‘the housefly garment industry’ or is it just a home-based craft?”

These are the instructor’s comments about writing expectations:

“Be concise”, “Write effectively”, or “Argue furiously.”

Technical Details

These instructions usually indicate format rules or guidelines.

“Your paper must be typed in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on the anniversary of Mao Tse-tung’s death.”

The assignment’s parts may not appear in exactly this order, and each part may be very long or really short. Nonetheless, being aware of this standard pattern can help you understand what your instructor wants you to do.

Interpreting the assignment

Ask yourself a few basic questions as you read and jot down the answers on the assignment sheet:

Why did your instructor ask you to do this particular task?

Who is your audience.

• What kind of evidence do you need to support your ideas?

What kind of writing style is acceptable?

• What are the absolute rules of the paper?

Try to look at the question from the point of view of the instructor. Recognize that your instructor has a reason for giving you this assignment and for giving it to you at a particular point in the semester. In every assignment, the instructor has a challenge for you. This challenge could be anything from demonstrating an ability to think clearly to demonstrating an ability to use the library. See the assignment not as a vague suggestion of what to do but as an opportunity to show that you can handle the course material as directed. Paper assignments give you more than a topic to discuss—they ask you to do something with the topic. Keep reminding yourself of that. Be careful to avoid the other extreme as well: do not read more into the assignment than what is there.

Of course, your instructor has given you an assignment so that they will be able to assess your understanding of the course material and give you an appropriate grade. But there is more to it than that. Your instructor has tried to design a learning experience of some kind. Your instructor wants you to think about something in a particular way for a particular reason. If you read the course description at the beginning of your syllabus, review the assigned readings, and consider the assignment itself, you may begin to see the plan, purpose, or approach to the subject matter that your instructor has created for you. If you still aren’t sure of the assignment’s goals, try asking the instructor. For help with this, see our handout on getting feedback .

Given your instructor’s efforts, it helps to answer the question: What is my purpose in completing this assignment? Is it to gather research from a variety of outside sources and present a coherent picture? Is it to take material I have been learning in class and apply it to a new situation? Is it to prove a point one way or another? Key words from the assignment can help you figure this out. Look for key terms in the form of active verbs that tell you what to do.

Key Terms: Finding Those Active Verbs

Here are some common key words and definitions to help you think about assignment terms:

Information words Ask you to demonstrate what you know about the subject, such as who, what, when, where, how, and why.

• define —give the subject’s meaning (according to someone or something). Sometimes you have to give more than one view on the subject’s meaning
• describe —provide details about the subject by answering question words (such as who, what, when, where, how, and why); you might also give details related to the five senses (what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell)
• explain —give reasons why or examples of how something happened
• illustrate —give descriptive examples of the subject and show how each is connected with the subject
• summarize —briefly list the important ideas you learned about the subject
• trace —outline how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form
• research —gather material from outside sources about the subject, often with the implication or requirement that you will analyze what you have found

Relation words Ask you to demonstrate how things are connected.

• compare —show how two or more things are similar (and, sometimes, different)
• contrast —show how two or more things are dissimilar
• apply —use details that you’ve been given to demonstrate how an idea, theory, or concept works in a particular situation
• cause —show how one event or series of events made something else happen
• relate —show or describe the connections between things

Interpretation words Ask you to defend ideas of your own about the subject. Do not see these words as requesting opinion alone (unless the assignment specifically says so), but as requiring opinion that is supported by concrete evidence. Remember examples, principles, definitions, or concepts from class or research and use them in your interpretation.

• assess —summarize your opinion of the subject and measure it against something
• prove, justify —give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is the truth
• evaluate, respond —state your opinion of the subject as good, bad, or some combination of the two, with examples and reasons
• support —give reasons or evidence for something you believe (be sure to state clearly what it is that you believe)
• synthesize —put two or more things together that have not been put together in class or in your readings before; do not just summarize one and then the other and say that they are similar or different—you must provide a reason for putting them together that runs all the way through the paper
• analyze —determine how individual parts create or relate to the whole, figure out how something works, what it might mean, or why it is important
• argue —take a side and defend it with evidence against the other side

More Clues to Your Purpose As you read the assignment, think about what the teacher does in class:

• What kinds of textbooks or coursepack did your instructor choose for the course—ones that provide background information, explain theories or perspectives, or argue a point of view?
• In lecture, does your instructor ask your opinion, try to prove their point of view, or use keywords that show up again in the assignment?
• What kinds of assignments are typical in this discipline? Social science classes often expect more research. Humanities classes thrive on interpretation and analysis.
• How do the assignments, readings, and lectures work together in the course? Instructors spend time designing courses, sometimes even arguing with their peers about the most effective course materials. Figuring out the overall design to the course will help you understand what each assignment is meant to achieve.

Now, what about your reader? Most undergraduates think of their audience as the instructor. True, your instructor is a good person to keep in mind as you write. But for the purposes of a good paper, think of your audience as someone like your roommate: smart enough to understand a clear, logical argument, but not someone who already knows exactly what is going on in your particular paper. Remember, even if the instructor knows everything there is to know about your paper topic, they still have to read your paper and assess your understanding. In other words, teach the material to your reader.

Aiming a paper at your audience happens in two ways: you make decisions about the tone and the level of information you want to convey.

• Tone means the “voice” of your paper. Should you be chatty, formal, or objective? Usually you will find some happy medium—you do not want to alienate your reader by sounding condescending or superior, but you do not want to, um, like, totally wig on the man, you know? Eschew ostentatious erudition: some students think the way to sound academic is to use big words. Be careful—you can sound ridiculous, especially if you use the wrong big words.
• The level of information you use depends on who you think your audience is. If you imagine your audience as your instructor and they already know everything you have to say, you may find yourself leaving out key information that can cause your argument to be unconvincing and illogical. But you do not have to explain every single word or issue. If you are telling your roommate what happened on your favorite science fiction TV show last night, you do not say, “First a dark-haired white man of average height, wearing a suit and carrying a flashlight, walked into the room. Then a purple alien with fifteen arms and at least three eyes turned around. Then the man smiled slightly. In the background, you could hear a clock ticking. The room was fairly dark and had at least two windows that I saw.” You also do not say, “This guy found some aliens. The end.” Find some balance of useful details that support your main point.

You’ll find a much more detailed discussion of these concepts in our handout on audience .

The Grim Truth

With a few exceptions (including some lab and ethnography reports), you are probably being asked to make an argument. You must convince your audience. It is easy to forget this aim when you are researching and writing; as you become involved in your subject matter, you may become enmeshed in the details and focus on learning or simply telling the information you have found. You need to do more than just repeat what you have read. Your writing should have a point, and you should be able to say it in a sentence. Sometimes instructors call this sentence a “thesis” or a “claim.”

So, if your instructor tells you to write about some aspect of oral hygiene, you do not want to just list: “First, you brush your teeth with a soft brush and some peanut butter. Then, you floss with unwaxed, bologna-flavored string. Finally, gargle with bourbon.” Instead, you could say, “Of all the oral cleaning methods, sandblasting removes the most plaque. Therefore it should be recommended by the American Dental Association.” Or, “From an aesthetic perspective, moldy teeth can be quite charming. However, their joys are short-lived.”

Convincing the reader of your argument is the goal of academic writing. It doesn’t have to say “argument” anywhere in the assignment for you to need one. Look at the assignment and think about what kind of argument you could make about it instead of just seeing it as a checklist of information you have to present. For help with understanding the role of argument in academic writing, see our handout on argument .

What kind of evidence do you need?

There are many kinds of evidence, and what type of evidence will work for your assignment can depend on several factors–the discipline, the parameters of the assignment, and your instructor’s preference. Should you use statistics? Historical examples? Do you need to conduct your own experiment? Can you rely on personal experience? See our handout on evidence for suggestions on how to use evidence appropriately.

Make sure you are clear about this part of the assignment, because your use of evidence will be crucial in writing a successful paper. You are not just learning how to argue; you are learning how to argue with specific types of materials and ideas. Ask your instructor what counts as acceptable evidence. You can also ask a librarian for help. No matter what kind of evidence you use, be sure to cite it correctly—see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .

You cannot always tell from the assignment just what sort of writing style your instructor expects. The instructor may be really laid back in class but still expect you to sound formal in writing. Or the instructor may be fairly formal in class and ask you to write a reflection paper where you need to use “I” and speak from your own experience.

Try to avoid false associations of a particular field with a style (“art historians like wacky creativity,” or “political scientists are boring and just give facts”) and look instead to the types of readings you have been given in class. No one expects you to write like Plato—just use the readings as a guide for what is standard or preferable to your instructor. When in doubt, ask your instructor about the level of formality they expect.

No matter what field you are writing for or what facts you are including, if you do not write so that your reader can understand your main idea, you have wasted your time. So make clarity your main goal. For specific help with style, see our handout on style .

Technical details about the assignment

The technical information you are given in an assignment always seems like the easy part. This section can actually give you lots of little hints about approaching the task. Find out if elements such as page length and citation format (see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial ) are negotiable. Some professors do not have strong preferences as long as you are consistent and fully answer the assignment. Some professors are very specific and will deduct big points for deviations.

Usually, the page length tells you something important: The instructor thinks the size of the paper is appropriate to the assignment’s parameters. In plain English, your instructor is telling you how many pages it should take for you to answer the question as fully as you are expected to. So if an assignment is two pages long, you cannot pad your paper with examples or reword your main idea several times. Hit your one point early, defend it with the clearest example, and finish quickly. If an assignment is ten pages long, you can be more complex in your main points and examples—and if you can only produce five pages for that assignment, you need to see someone for help—as soon as possible.

Tricks that don’t work

Your instructors are not fooled when you:

• spend more time on the cover page than the essay —graphics, cool binders, and cute titles are no replacement for a well-written paper.
• use huge fonts, wide margins, or extra spacing to pad the page length —these tricks are immediately obvious to the eye. Most instructors use the same word processor you do. They know what’s possible. Such tactics are especially damning when the instructor has a stack of 60 papers to grade and yours is the only one that low-flying airplane pilots could read.
• use a paper from another class that covered “sort of similar” material . Again, the instructor has a particular task for you to fulfill in the assignment that usually relates to course material and lectures. Your other paper may not cover this material, and turning in the same paper for more than one course may constitute an Honor Code violation . Ask the instructor—it can’t hurt.
• get all wacky and “creative” before you answer the question . Showing that you are able to think beyond the boundaries of a simple assignment can be good, but you must do what the assignment calls for first. Again, check with your instructor. A humorous tone can be refreshing for someone grading a stack of papers, but it will not get you a good grade if you have not fulfilled the task.

Critical reading of assignments leads to skills in other types of reading and writing. If you get good at figuring out what the real goals of assignments are, you are going to be better at understanding the goals of all of your classes and fields of study.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Difference Between Assignment and Transfer

The difference between assignment and transfer is that assign means it's legal to transfer property or a legal right from one person to another. 3 min read

The difference between assignment and transfer is that assign means it's legal to transfer property or a legal right from one person to another, while transfer means it's legal to arrange for something to be controlled by or officially belong to another person.

When used as verbs, assign means to set apart or designate something for a purpose while transfer means to pass or move from one person, place, or thing to someone or someplace else. When used as nouns, assign means the assignee and transfer is the act of removing or conveying something from one person, thing, or place to another. Transfer generally refers to titles whereas assignment is used with obligations and rights.

Definitions of Assignment and Transfer

• Assignment: Assignment is used in real estate law and contracts law. It covers the transfer of rights held by the assignor to the assignee.
• Transfer: To remove or convey from one person or place to someone or somewhere else.

Distinction Between Assignment and Transfer

When distinguishing between assignment and transfer, take licenses, for example. Licenses are contracts that don't allow legal action for infringement. They fall under state law. Therefore, state law will decide whether the license is an obligation or right that can be transferred or assigned legally.

One way to distinguish this example is that an individual contract under an agreement cannot be assigned, like entitlement to grant back royalties . In addition, the contract cannot be transferred. You need to break it down and figure out what the actual issue is — the parties' intent. An additional distinction is when the contract holder is an entity and the business owners want to transfer a portion or all of their stock. This can be seen as an implied transfer of the whole contract. However, it would not likely be an assignment of the rights covered under this agreement.

Difference Between Assign and License

The key difference between assign and license is that with a license, the person who grants permission, known as the licensor, keeps an interest in the product being licensed . In an assignment, the assignor will transfer his or her rights to the product or property being assigned.

Another difference is that assignments must be in writing and a license can be executed without being written. Consider, for example, intellectual property such as patents. Patents can be licensed verbally in some instances, but assignments for patents must be in writing and filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office .

Assignments grant the assignee full ownership of a product or property. Therefore, an assignment will typically cost more to acquire than a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there ever situations in which a license can be transferred but is not assignable?

• Yes, in the case of allowing an assignment to one of your affiliates, the assignor would still be liable for the performance of the agreement under general assignment law. In this situation, you would not typically permit a transfer, because in a transfer, the person transferring would not maintain any obligations related to performance. Don't rely solely on this general understanding, but still expressly detail your agreement on what a licensee can legally do.

How will transfer and assignment rights affect someone's ability to sublicense?

• In theory, if a licensee has the authority to assign license rights to someone else, you could argue that it also provides the right to sublicense it. The issue here is that with a sublicense, the person sublicensing it keeps a license right, therefore effectively creating two licensees. With an assignment, only one right is assigned, and the assignee is the one who has possession of the license. With well-drafted licenses, the right to sublicense is not typically implied, as the licensor is the one who reserves all rights that are not expressly granted.

What is the effect of poorly drafted licenses?

• A poorly drafted license could result in giving someone implied rights to also sublicense. An example is a software license that allows a licensee to access the software without clarifying any restrictions or clearly defining the word “use.” This means that, depending on what this software is supposed to do, someone could think the term “use” means the licensee has permission to grant a sublicense as part of their usage rights.

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Understood the Assignment Meaning: What Does the Phrase Mean?

If you’re a regular user of social media, you might have come across the phrase “understood the assignment” in recent times. The phrase has gained a lot of popularity on Twitter, TikTok, and other social media platforms, and it is often used to acknowledge someone who has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. In this article, we’ll explore the understood the assignment meaning and how it has become a popular phrase on social media.

Understood the Assignment Meaning

What Does Understood the Assignment Mean?

“Understood the Assignment” is a slang phrase that gained popularity in 2021, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. The phrase is used to acknowledge someone who has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. It is often used in the context of school assignments or work projects, where individuals are expected to complete a task or meet a certain standard.

The phrase implies that the person has not only completed the task at hand but has done so in a way that demonstrates a deep understanding of the requirements and expectations. The phrase has since become a popular hashtag and is commonly used in text messages, social media posts, and online chat rooms to express admiration or approval of someone’s work or performance.

Origin of ‘Understood the Assignment’ Phrase

If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the phrase “understood the assignment” being used quite frequently. But where did this phrase come from, and why has it become so popular?

The phrase “understood the assignment” originated from the American rapper Tay Money’s song “The Assignment,” which was released in 2021. In the song, Tay Money raps, “Tay, you killed this. I understood the assignment.” The phrase quickly caught on and became a popular way to express praise or criticism in slang.

Since then, the phrase has been used in various contexts, from school assignments to fashion choices. It’s often used to acknowledge someone’s efforts or accomplishments, particularly when they’ve gone above and beyond what was expected of them.

On Twitter, the phrase has also been associated with a specific meme. The meme features a picture of a woman wearing a white shirt and black pants, with the phrase “understood the assignment” written across the bottom. The meme is often used to mock people who have failed to meet expectations or who have made a mistake.

Popularity and Usage in Social Media

If you’re active on social media, you’ve probably seen the phrase “understood the assignment” being used quite frequently. It has become a popular slang expression to convey praise or criticism. The phrase has been in use since at least 2015, but it gained mainstream popularity in 2021 when it started trending on TikTok and Twitter.

The phrase is used to acknowledge someone who has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. It’s pretty much like giving someone an “A+” or stamping something with your seal of approval. For example, if a celebrity shows up to an event in an outfit that perfectly matches the theme, you might say they “understood the assignment.”

The phrase has become so popular that it has even been used by big brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks in their social media campaigns. McDonald’s used the phrase in a tweet to promote their BTS meal, and Starbucks used it to promote their new line of summer drinks. This shows how the phrase has become a part of popular culture and is being used by people from all walks of life.

The phrase has also become a meme, with people using it to make jokes or sarcastic comments. For example, if someone does something completely unrelated to what they were supposed to do, you might say they “didn’t understand the assignment.” This shows how the phrase has evolved and taken on a life of its own in the world of social media.

Examples of ‘Understood the Assignment’

When someone says “understood the assignment,” they are acknowledging that someone has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. Here are some examples of how this phrase can be used:

• A student might say, “I understood the assignment and got an A on the paper.”
• A coach might say, “The team really understood the assignment and executed the game plan perfectly.”
• A designer might say, “The client loved the final product because we really understood the assignment and delivered exactly what they wanted.”

This phrase can also be used in a more playful or humorous way. For example, someone might say, “Beyoncé really understood the assignment with that outfit she wore to the Met Gala ,” meaning that she looked amazing and perfectly captured the theme of the event.

Another example could be, “The new Netflix series really understood the assignment when it came to creating a compelling storyline and characters that viewers can’t get enough of.”

Overall, “understood the assignment” is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts to praise someone for doing an exceptional job or meeting and exceeding expectations.

Impact on Popular Culture

Popular culture is a reflection of society’s norms, values, and beliefs. It is a dynamic entity that evolves with time and influences people’s behavior, fashion, and lifestyle. Popular culture has a significant impact on society, shaping the way people think, act, and perceive the world around them.

One of the most significant impacts of popular culture is its influence on fashion. Popular culture often sets the trends in clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. For example, the popularity of the TV show Friends in the 1990s led to the trend of “The Rachel” haircut, which was named after the character Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston. Similarly, the popularity of the movie Grease in the 1970s led to the revival of 1950s fashion, with leather jackets, tight jeans, and poodle skirts becoming popular again.

Popular culture also influences people’s behavior and lifestyle choices. For example, the popularity of fitness and health-related TV shows and social media influencers has led to an increase in gym memberships and healthy eating habits. Similarly, the popularity of travel-related shows and social media accounts has led to an increase in tourism and travel-related activities.

In conclusion, popular culture has a significant impact on society, shaping the way people think, act, and perceive the world around them. It influences fashion, behavior, lifestyle choices, language, and communication. As such, it is essential to understand the impact of popular culture and how it shapes our lives.

Criticism and Controversy

While “Understood the Assignment” is generally used to praise someone’s efforts, there have been some criticisms and controversies surrounding the phrase.

One criticism is that it can be used to pressure people into conforming to certain standards or expectations. For example, if someone posts a picture or video and doesn’t receive the “Understood the Assignment” comment, they may feel like they didn’t do a good enough job or that they didn’t meet the expectations of others.

Additionally, some people have argued that the phrase is overused and has lost its meaning. It’s become a catch-all phrase for any kind of praise, regardless of whether or not the person actually understood the assignment or put in a lot of effort.

There have also been controversies surrounding the phrase’s origins. While it’s generally accepted that the phrase originated on TikTok, there have been claims that it was actually first used in other contexts or by other people. However, there’s no definitive proof to support these claims.

Despite these criticisms and controversies, “Understood the Assignment” remains a popular phrase on social media and continues to be used as a way to praise people’s efforts and accomplishments.

Variations and Adaptations

When it comes to the “understood the assignment” trend, there are many variations and adaptations that people have come up with to express the same sentiment. Here are some of the most popular ones:

One common variation is to use the phrase in a humorous or sarcastic way. For example, someone might say “I understood the assignment” while holding up a blank piece of paper or a completely unrelated object. This type of parody is meant to poke fun at the original meaning of the phrase and show that the speaker did not actually understand the assignment.

Another popular adaptation of the trend is to turn it into a meme. This often involves taking a picture or video of someone who is clearly not “understanding the assignment” and adding the phrase as a caption. Memes like these can be found all over social media and are often used to make light of situations where someone is not living up to expectations.

Overall, the “understood the assignment” trend has taken on a life of its own and has become a popular way for people to express their dedication and hard work. While there are many variations and adaptations of the trend, the core message remains the same: that the speaker is giving it their all and doing everything they can to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quotes about understanding an assignment?

There are many quotes about understanding an assignment, but one of the most popular is “I understood the assignment, but I just didn’t do it.” This quote is often used humorously to express frustration with procrastination or laziness.

What are some synonyms for understanding an assignment?

Some synonyms for understanding an assignment include comprehending, grasping, and getting. These words all describe the ability to fully understand and engage with an assignment or task.

What are some examples of understanding an assignment?

Examples of understanding an assignment might include completing all of the required tasks, following all of the instructions, and producing high-quality work. Understanding an assignment also involves being able to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary.

What is the origin of the phrase ‘understood the assignment’?

The origin of the phrase ‘understood the assignment’ is unclear, but it has become a popular expression on social media and in popular culture. The phrase is often used to praise someone who is giving their all and doing their best.

What does it mean to ‘get’ an assignment?

To ‘get’ an assignment means to fully understand and comprehend what is required in order to complete the task successfully. This involves reading and following all instructions, asking questions if necessary, and producing high-quality work.

What is the meaning of explaining in an assignment?

Explaining in an assignment involves providing clear and concise explanations of concepts, ideas, or processes. This may involve using examples, diagrams, or other visual aids to help the reader understand the material. A well-written explanation should be easy to follow and understand.

Last Updated on September 29, 2023

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What is Medicare assignment and how does it work?

Kimberly Lankford,

​Because Medicare decides how much to pay providers for covered services, if the provider agrees to the Medicare-approved amount, even if it is less than they usually charge, they’re accepting assignment.

A doctor who accepts assignment agrees to charge you no more than the amount Medicare has approved for that service. By comparison, a doctor who participates in Medicare but doesn’t accept assignment can potentially charge you up to 15 percent more than the Medicare-approved amount.

That’s why it’s important to ask if a provider accepts assignment before you receive care, even if they accept Medicare patients. If a doctor doesn’t accept assignment, you will pay more for that physician’s services compared with one who does.

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How much do I pay if my doctor accepts assignment?

If your doctor accepts assignment, you will usually pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the service, called coinsurance, after you’ve paid the annual deductible. Because Medicare Part B covers doctor and outpatient services, your $240 deductible for Part B in 2024 applies before most coverage begins.

All providers who accept assignment must submit claims directly to Medicare, which pays 80 percent of the approved cost for the service and will bill you the remaining 20 percent. You can get some preventive services and screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies , without paying a deductible or coinsurance if the provider accepts assignment. 

What if my doctor doesn’t accept assignment?

A doctor who takes Medicare but doesn’t accept assignment can still treat Medicare patients but won’t always accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full.

This means they can charge you up to a maximum of 15 percent more than Medicare pays for the service you receive, called “balance billing.” In this case, you’re responsible for the additional charge, plus the regular 20 percent coinsurance, as your share of the cost.

How to cover the extra cost? If you have a Medicare supplement policy , better known as Medigap, it may cover the extra 15 percent, called Medicare Part B excess charges.

All Medigap policies cover Part B’s 20 percent coinsurance in full or in part. The F and G policies cover the 15 percent excess charges from doctors who don’t accept assignment, but Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees, only those eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020, even if they haven’t enrolled in Medicare yet. However, anyone who is enrolled in original Medicare can apply for Plan G.

Remember that Medigap policies only cover excess charges for doctors who accept Medicare but don’t accept assignment, and they won’t cover costs for doctors who opt out of Medicare entirely.

Good to know. A few states limit the amount of excess fees a doctor can charge Medicare patients. For example, Massachusetts and Ohio prohibit balance billing, requiring doctors who accept Medicare to take the Medicare-approved amount. New York limits excess charges to 5 percent over the Medicare-approved amount for most services, rather than 15 percent.

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How do I find doctors who accept assignment?

Before you start working with a new doctor, ask whether he or she accepts assignment. About 98 percent of providers billing Medicare are participating providers, which means they accept assignment on all Medicare claims, according to KFF.

You can get help finding doctors and other providers in your area who accept assignment by zip code using Medicare’s Physician Compare tool .

Those who accept assignment have this note under the name: “Charges the Medicare-approved amount (so you pay less out of pocket).” However, not all doctors who accept assignment are accepting new Medicare patients.

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What does it mean if a doctor opts out of Medicare?

Doctors who opt out of Medicare can’t bill Medicare for services you receive. They also aren’t bound by Medicare’s limitations on charges.

In this case, you enter into a private contract with the provider and agree to pay the full bill. Be aware that neither Medicare nor your Medigap plan will reimburse you for these charges.

In 2023, only 1 percent of physicians who aren’t pediatricians opted out of the Medicare program, according to KFF. The percentage is larger for some specialties — 7.7 percent of psychiatrists and 4.2 percent of plastic and reconstructive surgeons have opted out of Medicare.

Keep in mind

These rules apply to original Medicare. Other factors determine costs if you choose to get coverage through a private Medicare Advantage plan . Most Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks, and they may charge more or not cover services from out-of-network providers.

Before choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, find out whether your chosen doctor or provider is covered and identify how much you’ll pay. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare the Medicare Advantage plans and their out-of-pocket costs in your area.

Return to Medicare Q&A main page

Kimberly Lankford is a contributing writer who covers Medicare and personal finance. She wrote about insurance, Medicare, retirement and taxes for more than 20 years at  Kiplinger’s Personal Finance  and has written for  The Washington Post  and  Boston Globe . She received the personal finance Best in Business award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and the New York State Society of CPAs’ excellence in financial journalism award for her guide to Medicare.

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Assignment: Definition in Finance, How It Works, and Examples

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Yarilet Perez is an experienced multimedia journalist and fact-checker with a Master of Science in Journalism. She has worked in multiple cities covering breaking news, politics, education, and more. Her expertise is in personal finance and investing, and real estate.

What Is an Assignment?

Assignment most often refers to one of two definitions in the financial world:

• The transfer of an individual's rights or property to another person or business. This concept exists in a variety of business transactions and is often spelled out contractually.
• In trading, assignment occurs when an option contract is exercised. The owner of the contract exercises the contract and assigns the option writer to an obligation to complete the requirements of the contract.

Key Takeaways

• Assignment is a transfer of rights or property from one party to another.
• Options assignments occur when option buyers exercise their rights to a position in a security.
• Other examples of assignments can be found in wages, mortgages, and leases.

Uses For Assignments

Assignment refers to the transfer of some or all property rights and obligations associated with an asset, property, contract, or other asset of value. to another entity through a written agreement.

Assignment rights happen every day in many different situations. A payee, like a utility or a merchant, assigns the right to collect payment from a written check to a bank. A merchant can assign the funds from a line of credit to a manufacturing third party that makes a product that the merchant will eventually sell. A trademark owner can transfer, sell, or give another person interest in the trademark or logo. A homeowner who sells their house assigns the deed to the new buyer.

To be effective, an assignment must involve parties with legal capacity, consideration, consent, and legality of the object.

A wage assignment is a forced payment of an obligation by automatic withholding from an employee’s pay. Courts issue wage assignments for people late with child or spousal support, taxes, loans, or other obligations. Money is automatically subtracted from a worker's paycheck without consent if they have a history of nonpayment. For example, a person delinquent on $100 monthly loan payments has a wage assignment deducting the money from their paycheck and sent to the lender. Wage assignments are helpful in paying back long-term debts.

Another instance can be found in a mortgage assignment. This is where a mortgage deed gives a lender interest in a mortgaged property in return for payments received. Lenders often sell mortgages to third parties, such as other lenders. A mortgage assignment document clarifies the assignment of contract and instructs the borrower in making future mortgage payments, and potentially modifies the mortgage terms.

A final example involves a lease assignment. This benefits a relocating tenant wanting to end a lease early or a landlord looking for rent payments to pay creditors. Once the new tenant signs the lease, taking over responsibility for rent payments and other obligations, the previous tenant is released from those responsibilities. In a separate lease assignment, a landlord agrees to pay a creditor through an assignment of rent due under rental property leases. The agreement is used to pay a mortgage lender if the landlord defaults on the loan or files for bankruptcy . Any rental income would then be paid directly to the lender.

Options Assignment

Options can be assigned when a buyer decides to exercise their right to buy (or sell) stock at a particular strike price . The corresponding seller of the option is not determined when a buyer opens an option trade, but only at the time that an option holder decides to exercise their right to buy stock. So an option seller with open positions is matched with the exercising buyer via automated lottery. The randomly selected seller is then assigned to fulfill the buyer's rights. This is known as an option assignment.

Once assigned, the writer (seller) of the option will have the obligation to sell (if a call option ) or buy (if a put option ) the designated number of shares of stock at the agreed-upon price (the strike price). For instance, if the writer sold calls they would be obligated to sell the stock, and the process is often referred to as having the stock called away . For puts, the buyer of the option sells stock (puts stock shares) to the writer in the form of a short-sold position.

Suppose a trader owns 100 call options on company ABC's stock with a strike price of $10 per share. The stock is now trading at $30 and ABC is due to pay a dividend shortly. As a result, the trader exercises the options early and receives 10,000 shares of ABC paid at $10. At the same time, the other side of the long call (the short call) is assigned the contract and must deliver the shares to the long.

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Assignments

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What is assignment in education? Assignment meaning is the tasks given to students by their teachers and tutors to complete in a defined time. They can also be referred to as the work given to someone as a part of learning. Assignments can be in the form of written, practical, art or fieldwork, or even online. Their purpose is to ensure that students understand the subject matter thoroughly.

Generally, students are assigned a task as a part of their homework. The allocation of assignments is not only restricted to a class or subject but this method can be applied at any stage of life. They are a great way to judge the ability and understanding of an individual towards a subject matter.

The culture of providing homework starts from kindergarten in various forms. Small children are asked to read and write what they learn in the class. Students in the higher class are given work as a part of their revision exercise and help them prepare for exams. Individuals doing honors write journals as a part of an assignment that determines their knowledge in that subject.

The structure of assignments depends upon the nature of the task and subject. They must be well-researched, including case studies or examples within a proper framework. These studies are useful for students to achieve the desired examination results. It also helps them to concentrate better on education. Knowing what is assignment in education helps teachers assess students better.

Importance of Assignments

Giving assignments to the students is a crucial part of student assessment. The importance of giving assignments to the students is discussed in detail below:

• Learning practical skills Assignments enable students to develop new skills. In order to complete the assignments, students learn new skills which help them in their academic careers. 
• Enhances time management skills Whenever assignments are allocated to the students, a time limit is set by teachers within which the assignment has to be submitted. What is assignment in education enable students to complete their tasks and learn timely submission of work. 
• Learning researching skills Students tend to do a lot of research about the questions given in the assignment. Assignment meaning is to help them develop their research skills and come in handy in their future careers. 
• Enhance the Writing Caliber Many students have a problem of not being able to put their thoughts into words. Writing assignments can help them develop writing skills and be expressive in real life as well. 

Since assignments are deadline-based, they help students take responsibility and manage time. The work assigned to students may be individual or group activities, or both, to develop teamwork in them. 

The above-mentioned information gives us a context of assignment meaning and its importance to the students. Assignments provide a basis for the student assessment and should be given timely.  

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What does designated for assignment mean in baseball? Explaining MLB's 'DFA' and contract implications

There are numerous transactions that can happen to an MLB player. They can be optioned down to the minors. They can be traded to another team. They can even just simply be cut.

One of the more unique-to-baseball transaction types is to be designated for assignment. If a big leaguer is underperforming significantly, a team might decide that it is time to hit the DFA button, which can have several different outcomes.

During the course of the MLB season, fans will often see players DFA'd by their teams. It is a particularly common process for players who are a bit more on the experienced side and in the middle of contracts.

Much of the other processes are more self explanatory. Trades and releases are obviously simple. Even options are fairly common knowledge. But what exactly does it mean to be designated for assignment? 

MORE: How to watch 'Friday Night Baseball' on Apple TV+

Here's what you need to know.

What does designated for assignment mean in baseball?

Teams are only allowed to have 40 players on their roster at all times, with 26 of them active in the majors. Sometimes, teams make decisions to add someone to that 40-man roster, which means removing someone else.

In order to take someone off the 40-man roster, they must be designated for assignment. When that happens, a player is taken off the roster immediately and sits in a holding pattern for seven days. During that time frame, the team can trade the player away or place him on waivers.

Another team can claim the player on waivers, but it would require immediately placing that player on their own 40-man roster and taking on the remainder of that contract. Because waiver claims operate in a particular order, teams will sometimes trade for a DFA'd player rather than wait until waivers to make sure no one ahead of them in the order is able to claim that player.

There is always a chance the players go through waivers unclaimed. If that happens, teams have a few different options for what comes next. The team can release them or can outright them to the minors. However, not all DFA'd players have to go to the minors. A player can reject the minor-league assignment and head to free agency if he's been in the majors for at least three years or if he has been outrighted to the minors previously.

Being designated for assignment is different than being optioned to the minors, though sometimes the two can overlap. Players early in their careers have option years, during which they can be sent back to the minors five times per season after MLB promotions. Being optioned to the minors does not mean a player has to be designated for assignment unless he runs out of options. 

If a team claims a player that has been designated for assignment, and that player still has minor league options left, the team can choose to use one to send the player to the minors, so long as he is still on the 40-man roster.

MORE: MLB pitch clock rules, explained

DFA contract implications

There are often talented players that hit waivers that will go unclaimed for one big reason: the contract. 

If a player is claimed on waivers or acquired via trade, the team that added him would be taking on the remainder of the contract as well. Often, part of the reason a team would make the decision to DFA a player is in the hopes another might claim them and take the contract off the books.

However, if the player reaches free agency, he can sign a deal with any other team on a prorated portion of the MLB minimum, which is $720,000. The team that DFA'd would then pay that player the remaining salary owed to him on his original deal minus the prorated MLB minimum paid by the acquiring team.

Edward Sutelan is a content producer at The Sporting News.

As a Medical Biller, the better you understand the medical insurance payment process, the better you can care for your patients. Your understanding of what a patient will owe and what will be covered can help them navigate the confusing world of medical insurance.

One term that can be very confusing for patients (and for doctors as well) is ‘Accepting Assignment’.

Essentially, ‘assignment’ means that a doctor, (also known as provider or supplier) agrees (or is required by law) to accept a Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered services.

This amount may be lower or higher than an individual’s insurance amount, but will be on par with Medicare fees for the services.

If a doctor participates with an insurance carrier, they have a contract and agree that the provider will accept the allowed amount, then the provider would check “yes”.  

If they do not participate and do not wish to accept what the insurance carrier allows, they would check “no”.   It is important to note that a provider who does not participate can still opt to accept assignment on just a particular claim by checking the “yes” box just for those services.

In other words by saying your office will accept assignment, you are agreeing to the payment amount being covered by the insurer, or medicare, and the patient has no responsibility.

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long weekend

Saturday and Sunday with at least one extra day added, either Friday or Monday.

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The Assignment with Audie Cornish

Every thursday on the assignment, host audie cornish explores the animating forces of this extraordinary american political moment. it’s not about the horse race, it’s about the larger cultural ideas driving the conversation: the role of online influencers on the electorate, the intersection of pop culture and politics, and discussions with primary voices and thinkers who are shaping the political conversation..

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Kamala Harris has “Freedom.” Donald Trump has “God Bless the USA” (and a lot of cease-and-desist letters). What makes for a good campaign song? And why do we respond so viscerally to the ones that work? Audie talks with DJ Cassidy, who DJ'd the DNC Roll Call. And Dana Gorzelany-Mostak , who studies the use of music in political campaigns.

© 2024 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved. CNN Audio's transcripts are made available as soon as possible. They are not fully edited for grammar or spelling and may be revised in the future. The audio record represents the final version of CNN Audio.

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How i broke free from codependency — and learned the meaning of loving relationships, how to know if you're in a codependent relationship.

If you haven’t laid awake at night worrying about relationships, we are not the same.

For most of my life, bedtime meant rumination. I’d agonize over a crush. I’d analyze work emails in my mind, wondering how I made a coworker feel. I’d ponder a friend’s depression, a family member’s extended job search and whether my elderly neighbor felt lonely. It was lonely and exhausting.

If you value empathy and community, it’s normal to lose a bit of sleep over social bonds ( research shows that caring about others positively impacts our well-being). But if worrying about others is negatively affecting your life, or if you have an unhealthy reliance on others for self-worth, that may be a sign of a behavior called codependency.

“Codependents are people who love other people more than they love themselves,” says Melody Beattie, author of Codependent No More , a central text on the subject. It can look like saying yes to others when you mean no, dropping everything to rescue a friend in crisis or the inability to stop worrying about a family member in distress.  

While this concept lacks an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , codependency can lead to negative emotional consequences, says Beattie. That includes a deep need for approval from others, a pattern of avoiding conflict or a tendency to ignore one’s own needs.

Do you have codependent tendencies?

How to stop stewing about something you've taken (a little too) personally

A couple of years ago, I started to recognize a gap in the kinds of relationships I wanted — mutual, healthy, loving, happy — and the kind of relationships I actually had — distant, one-sided and (occasionally) unhealthy.

The space between desire and reality led me to examine whether I had codependent tendencies. If you are wondering the same, Beattie offers some questions to ask yourself.

• Do you prioritize others’ needs over your own? Anxiety and low self-worth can contribute to codependents not being able to set the boundaries they need to take care of themselves, so they let others “run riot over their life,” says Beattie. This can inflict feelings of anger, resentfulness and hurt — and contribute to issues like depression or staying in harmful situations for too long.
• Do you have a habit of trying to fix other people’s problems? Codependents tend to over-involve themselves in others’ lives. When we base our relationships on feeling needed or entangling ourselves in other people’s pain, we can neglect ourselves -- and that can contribute to self-hate and self-disgust, Beattie says.
• Does a loved one's addiction or illness consume your life? If a codependent is attached to an alcoholic, for example, they may focus all their energy on helping their loved one get or stay sober. Or they may stay home because they think it will help their partner avoid the temptation to drink. In this definition, codependents follow a dysfunctional relationship pattern. They are only OK if the other person is OK. 

After thinking through my own pattern of behaviors, I realized that yes -- I had some codependent ways of relating to the world, especially with my propensity toward worrying about others. I thought: if I just helped my friends, colleagues and neighbors, maybe I’d get the connection I craved in love, work and life. 

How to break free from codependent relationships

When we derive value from supporting others to the detriment of our own health, we risk the quality of our relationships. To break out of this pattern, try shifting the focus from others to ourselves. Here are a few ways to do that.

3 common thinking traps and how to avoid them, according to a Yale psychologist

• Seek professional help. If you think you might be codependent, talk to a therapist who can help you explore and change your behaviors. You can also join a support group. Codependents Anonymous , a 12-step program, has a list of groups on their website.
• Relinquish control with boundaries. Before we rescue, caretake or worry too much about others, Beattie says to consider your motivations. Are you trying to help? Or are you trying to control another person? Boundaries can help you practice self-care by setting limits around how much physical and mental space we give others. 
• Care for yourself before you care for others , says licensed marriage and family therapist Shawn Michael Howard , who is in the process of legally changing his name to Adesola Nnamdi. “A person knows if they're in a place to help someone if they've gotten sleep, if they’ve fed themselves, if they've taken care of themselves.”
• Identify your wants and needs. Grab a pen and paper and write down what you want and need, whether that’s your deepest secrets or most lighthearted wishes, says Nnamdi. When I was first starting to heal from codependency, for example, I wrote down that I wanted reciprocal relationships. Knowing this — and acting on that information — can be the start of healthier bonds. 

With the help of a therapist and support groups, I began to unpack my relationships. I realized that my codependency tricked me into thinking that closeness is achieved through performing care. But I learned that true care is mutual. Little by little, I stopped losing sleep counting the ways I should give. 

Whenever I need a reminder of what to keep working toward, I say an affirmation from The Language of Letting Go, a book of daily meditations by Beattie . Today, I will be open to giving and receiving the healthiest love possible. 

has worked as a reporter, editor and educator for over a decade. 

The audio portion of this episode was reported by Gina Ryder, produced by Margaret Cirino and edited by Meghan Keane and Malaka Gharib.

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