[Vocabulary] meaning of "to give a challenge"

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Yovo

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Can sometimes "to give a challenge" refer to something like "to give a responsability" to someone?

In this case for example:

"They gave me and Mark a challenge, and this is to define whether or not we need to install an OMS System in our company".

In this case it refers to give a huge responsability to those two people who have to take the decision. So, can I say that "to give a challenge" is like a synonym of "to give a responsability" to someone?

It would be great if someone could explain that to me, since I could not find anything about this online so far.

Thanks in advance
 

GoesStation

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The two phrases are not synonyms. If you're given a responsibility, you are expected to do the task for which you've been made responsible. If you're given a challenge, you will presumably be rewarded if you succeed but not punished if you don't.
 

SoothingDave

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It's a way of saying that they challenged him. It's a verb. See #11.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/challenge

Something that is "challenging" (like I found passing the bar to be challenging) tests your abilities, character, will, etc.
 
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