encomendado

Encomendado is the past participle of the Spanish verb encomendar and functions as an adjective or, less commonly, as a substantive. It describes something that has been entrusted with a responsibility, task, or mission, or that has been commissioned to perform a duty or project. As a noun phrase, it can refer to a person who has received such a trust, though this usage is less frequent in everyday speech.

Etymology and sense: Encomendar comes from Latin commendare, meaning to entrust, commit, or consign. In Spanish, the prefix en- reinforces the sense of placing something or someone under another’s care or direction. Over time, the term has expanded to include both entrusted persons and commissioned works or tasks.

Usage examples: A person can be encomendado when a task is assigned to them, as in “El técnico quedó encomendado para resolver el problema.” A task or project can also be encomendado to a team or a professional, for example, “La restauración del edificio fue encomendada a un equipo de especialistas.” When referring to works or assignments, it is common to say “una obra encomendada” or “una campaña encomendada,” indicating that something was commissioned or contracted.

Grammatical notes: Encomendado agrees in gender and number (encomendado, encomendada, encomendados, encomendadas). The term is chiefly used in formal or written Spanish; colloquial alternatives include “encargado” or “confiado” depending on context.

See also: encomendar, encomienda, encargado, comisión.