designate

[ verb dez-ig-neyt; adjective dez-ig-nit, -neyt ]

verb (used with object)

designated, designating.

1. to mark or point out; indicate; show; specify.
2. to denote; indicate; signify.
3. to name; entitle; style.
4. to nominate or select for a duty, office, purpose, etc.; appoint; assign.

adjective

1. named or selected for an office, position, etc., but not yet installed (often used in combination following the noun it modifies):

   ambassador-designate.

designate

/ ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪtrɪ /

verb

1. to indicate or specify
2. to give a name to; style; entitle
3. to select or name for an office or duty; appoint

adjective

1. immediately postpositive appointed, but not yet in office

   a minister designate

Derived Forms

• ˈdesigˌnator, noun
• ˈdesigˌnative, adjective

Other Word Forms

• desig·native des·ig·na·to·ry [dez, -ig-n, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, dez-ig-, ney, -t, uh, -ree], adjective
• desig·nator noun
• de·desig·nate verb (used with object) dedesignated dedesignating
• non·desig·nate adjective
• non·desig·native adjective
• re·desig·nate verb (used with object) redesignated redesignating
• un·desig·nated adjective
• un·desig·native adjective
• well-desig·nated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of designate¹

1640–50; < Latin dēsignātus, past participle of dēsignāre. See design, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of designate¹

C15: from Latin dēsignātus marked out, defined; see design

Example Sentences

She said she wanted to prevent buildings designated as community assets being demolished, and cited the loss of the sports hall and Angel Theatre in Rendlesham as motivations.

From BBC

But under the new ruling a person who was born male but identifies as a woman does not have a right to use a space or service designated as women only.

From BBC

Although Italy is among several member states that already have designated safe countries, it is thought an agreed EU list would deter asylum seekers from targeting those with looser regulations.

From BBC

Assuming bears couldn’t live outside the designated regions, the study estimates that California could house around 1,183 grizzlies: 115 in the Transverse Ranges, 832 in the Sierra Nevada, and 236 in the Northwest Forest.

From Los Angeles Times

Many US universities receive some type of federal funding which is mostly designated for scientific research in areas such as drug development.

From BBC

Related Words

• allocate
• allot
• appoint
• appropriate
• assign
• authorize
• choose
• define
• describe
• earmark
• elect
• mark
• name
• nominate
• set aside
• stipulate