The Spanish verb 'delegar' (to delegate) comes from the Latin word 'delegare', which had the same meaning of 'to delegate' or 'to assign'. The Latin 'delegare' was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'de-' meaning 'down' or 'away', and the root 'lex' meaning 'law'. When these combined, they created the concept of literally 'sending away' or 'sending down' authority or responsibility that was established by law. The Spanish verb maintains this meaning today, with the Latin infinitive ending being replaced by the Spanish verbal suffix '-ar'.

The Spanish word 'ley' (law) is a simpler related word that comes from the same Latin root 'lex'. Other common Spanish words in this family include 'legal' (legal), 'legislación' (legislation), and 'legítimo' (legitimate). All these words share the basic concept of law and legal authority that is present in 'delegar'.

English speakers can easily connect 'delegar' to several familiar English words. The most obvious is 'delegate', which is essentially the same word with the same meaning. Other related English words include 'legal', 'legislation', and 'legitimate', all of which come from the same Latin root 'lex' meaning 'law'. Understanding this connection helps remember that delegation involves the formal transfer of legal authority or responsibility.