The Spanish word 'delegado' (meaning 'delegate') comes from the Latin word 'delegatus', which was the past participle of the verb 'delegare' meaning 'to delegate'. The Latin 'delegare' itself was formed by combining two parts: the prefix 'de-' meaning 'down from' and the verb 'legare' meaning 'to send with legal authority'. This combination created the sense of transferring or entrusting authority from a higher position to a lower one.

Some related Spanish words include 'delegar' (to delegate), which is the verb form, and 'delegación' (delegation). These words all share the same Latin root and maintain similar meanings around the concept of transferring authority or responsibility to others.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'delegate', 'delegation', and 'legation'. These words come from the same Latin source 'delegare'. The English word 'legacy', while slightly different in meaning, also shares a connection to the Latin 'legare', as it originally referred to something legally bequeathed or entrusted to another.