What is the difference between task and activity?

There are sufficient differences between these Words and yet in some conversations they appear to have similar meanings. A task can often refer to the theory of the work whereas an activity puts the theory of the task into practice. A task is an assigned piece of work, a task may be seen as excessive labour or exertion. A task is allocated by someone in authority.

An activity can be recreational, a hobby, an enjoyable experience including lively action or movement. Activities occur in elementary grades at school to teach practice as opposed to theory

The origin of the Words explains the difference. Derived from Latin, a task is 'a piece of work imposed as a duty'. Activity, derived from Latin again, as 'something that is set in motion'. with no connection to anything unpleasant.