Difference Between Task and Activity

Task vs Activity
 

Understanding the difference between task and activity will help you to use task and activity appropriately in the English language. It is interesting to note that both the words, task and activity, are used primarily as nouns only. However, the word task is used as a verb as well. The origin of the word task is found in Middle English. On the other hand, the origin of the word activity is found in the Late Middle English. When considering the use of the two words task and activity, we can see that the word task is even used in phrases such as take someone to task. Now, you can find out how the two words task and activity differ from one another.

What does Task mean?

The word task refers to ‘work’ or ‘a piece of work to be done or undertaken’. The word task, on the other hand, means ‘to make great demands on the power of a person’ as in the sentence given below.

He gave him a task to complete before nightfall.

In this sentence, you get the idea that the person has given a kind of work to someone to complete before nightfall. This is done to make a great demand on the person’s power of completing a piece of work. Moreover, a task is meant for completion.

What does Activity mean?

On the other hand, the word activity refers to ‘event’ or ‘happening’. This is the main difference between the two words. Observe the two sentences given below:

There are many activities going on in the club.

There is no activity in the college.

In both the sentences given above, you can see that the word activity is used in the sense of ‘event’ or ‘happening’ Hence, the sentences would mean ‘there are many events going on in the club’ and ‘there is no happening in the college’ respectively.

On the other hand, the word activity means ‘the condition of being active or moving about’. It involves the exertion of energy and strenuous action. It is interesting to note that whenever the word activity is used in its plural form then it would refer to an occupation or a pursuit as in the expression ‘outdoor activities’. While a task is meant for completion, an activity is meant for movement.

What is the difference between Task and Activity?

• The word task refers to ‘work’ or ‘a piece of work to be done or undertaken’. On the other hand, the word activity refers to ‘event’ or ‘happening’. This is the main difference between the two words.

• The word task, on the other hand, means ‘to make great demands on the power of a person.’

• On the other hand, the word activity means ‘the condition of being active or moving about’.

• Whenever the word activity is used in its plural form then, it would refer to an occupation or a pursuit as in the expression ‘outdoor activities .’

• A task is meant for completion whereas an activity is meant for movement. This is an important difference between the two words.