Task vs. Chore — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 8, 2024
A task is a piece of work to be done, while a chore is a routine task, often mundane and related to household duties.
Difference Between Task and Chore
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tasks encompass a broad range of activities that require completion, from professional assignments to personal projects. They can vary in complexity, importance, and context, and are not limited to routine or mundane activities. In contrast, chores are typically routine tasks associated with maintaining a household or daily living. They are often perceived as mundane or less enjoyable tasks that need to be done regularly, such as cleaning, doing laundry, or grocery shopping.
While tasks can be associated with a sense of accomplishment and can be related to work, personal goals, or hobbies, chores are usually seen as obligations that contribute to the smooth running of daily life. The distinction highlights how tasks can be varied and chosen, whereas chores tend to be repetitive and necessary.
In a professional setting, tasks are often assigned with specific objectives and deadlines, contributing to the larger goals of an organization or project. Chores, however, are not typically associated with professional environments and are more aligned with personal or home life management.
The perception of tasks and chores can vary from person to person; what is considered a chore to one might be seen as an enjoyable task by another. For example, someone might view cooking as a chore, while another person sees it as a pleasurable task or hobby.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A piece of work to be done or undertaken.
A routine task, often mundane, related to household duties.
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Context
Can be professional, personal, or educational.
Primarily related to household or personal maintenance.
Frequency
Can be one-time or recurring.
Usually recurring and routine.
Perception
Often associated with achievement or progress.
Generally considered mundane or obligatory.
Examples
Completing a report, solving a problem.
Washing dishes, vacuuming, taking out the trash.
Compare with Definitions
Task
A specific duty or responsibility.
Completing the project on time was her main task.
Chore
A routine job or duty around the house.
Doing chores on the weekend is a common routine for many families.
Task
A piece of work requiring effort and resources.
The construction of the bridge was a monumental task.
Chore
A mundane task necessary for daily life.
Grocery shopping is one of those chores he could do without.
Task
An action or series of actions aimed at achieving a goal.
The team was faced with the task of redesigning the website.
Chore
A regular task that is often time-consuming.
Mowing the lawn is a chore he actually enjoys.
Task
An assignment or job to be accomplished.
His task for the day was to organize the files.
Chore
An obligatory task with little excitement.
Sorting laundry is a chore that she always procrastinates on.
Task
An undertaking that demands focus and skills.
Writing her first novel was a challenging task.
Chore
An assignment often related to cleanliness or order.
She divided the household chores among all the roommates.
Task
A piece of work assigned or done as part of one's duties.
Chore
A routine or minor duty or task.
Task
A difficult or tedious undertaking
Finding qualified people to fill these specialized roles was a real task.
Chore
An unpleasant or burdensome task
What a chore it was cleaning out the garage.
Task
A function to be performed; an objective
It is our task to renew consumer confidence.
Chore
A task, especially a difficult, unpleasant, or routine one.
Washing dishes is a chore, but we cannot just stop eating.
The children were made to do their daily chores before being allowed to play games.
I used to enjoy being self-employed, but it's become a bit of a chore recently.
Task
To assign a task to or impose a task on
The agency was tasked with creating an advertising campaign.
Chore
To do chores.
Task
(Archaic) To subject to strain or hardship
"The Professor's household was a modest one, and yet it tasked his ideas to keep it up to his wife's standard" (Edith Wharton).
Chore
To steal.
Task
A piece of work done as part of one’s duties.
The employee refused to complete the assignment, arguing that it was not one of the tasks listed in her job description.
Chore
A small job; in the pl., the regular or daily light work of a household or farm, either within or without doors.
Task
Any piece of work done.
Chore
A choir or chorus.
Task
A difficult or tedious undertaking.
Chore
To do chores.
Task
An objective.
Chore
A specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee;
Estimates of the city's loss on that job ranged as high as a million dollars
The job of repairing the engine took several hours
The endless task of classifying the samples
The farmer's morning chores
Task
(obsolete) A tax or charge.
Task
(transitive) To assign a task to, or impose a task on.
On my first day in the office, I was tasked with sorting a pile of invoices.
Task
(transitive) To oppress with severe or excessive burdens; to tax
Task
(transitive) To charge, as with a fault.
Task
Labor or study imposed by another, often in a definite quantity or amount.
Ma task of servile toil.
Each morning sees some task begin,Each evening sees it close.
Task
Business; employment; undertaking; labor.
His mental powers were equal to greater tasks.
Task
To impose a task upon; to assign a definite amount of business, labor, or duty to.
There task thy maids, and exercise the loom.
Task
To oppress with severe or excessive burdens; to tax.
Task
To charge; to tax, as with a fault.
Too impudent to task me with those errors.
Task
Any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted;
He prepared for great undertakings
Task
A specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee;
Estimates of the city's loss on that job ranged as high as a million dollars
The job of repairing the engine took several hours
The endless task of classifying the samples
The farmer's morning chores
Task
Assign a task to;
I tasked him with looking after the children
Task
Use to the limit;
You are taxing my patience
Common Curiosities
Is it possible for a chore to be considered a task?
Yes, chores can be considered tasks, especially when they are part of a to-do list or assigned responsibilities.
How is a chore different from a task?
A chore is a routine, often mundane task primarily associated with household maintenance, whereas a task can be broader and relate to various areas of life.
What defines a task?
A task is defined as a piece of work or activity that needs to be accomplished, which can vary in context and complexity.
Why are chores often viewed negatively?
Chores are viewed negatively because they are routine, obligatory, and may not provide a sense of accomplishment.
Are all household duties considered chores?
Most routine household duties are considered chores, but some may be seen as tasks if they require special skills or are done infrequently.
How can one manage tasks and chores effectively?
Effective management can be achieved through prioritization, scheduling, and possibly delegating or breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps.
Can a task be enjoyable?
Yes, tasks can be enjoyable, especially if they align with one's interests or lead to a sense of achievement.
Can tasks contribute to personal or professional growth?
Absolutely, tasks, especially those that challenge and stretch capabilities, can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth.
Do chores have any benefits?
Yes, chores help maintain a clean and organized living space, teach responsibility, and can even offer a form of physical activity.
How can the perception of chores be improved?
Viewing chores as opportunities for mindfulness, exercise, or family bonding can improve their perception and make them more enjoyable.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
