predesignate

[ pree-dez-ig-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·des·ig·nat·ed, pre·des·ig·nat·ing.

1. to designate beforehand.

Other Words From

• predes·ig·nation noun
• pre·des·ig·na·to·ry [pree-, dez, -ig-n, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, pree-dez-ig-, ney, -t, uh, -ree], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predesignate¹

First recorded in 1815–25; pre- + designate

Example Sentences

A proposition is Predesignate when the quantity is definitely indicated.

From Project Gutenberg

All the above propositions are "Predesignate" universals, and reducible to the form All S is P, or No S is P. The following propositions are no less definitely particular, reducible to the form I or O. In them as in the preceding quantity is formally expressed, though the forms used are not the artificial syllogistic forms:— Afflictions are often salutary.

From Project Gutenberg

Propositions whose quantity is thus left indefinite are technically called 'preindesignate,' their quantity not being stated or designated by any introductory expression; whilst propositions whose quantity is expressed, as All foundling-hospitals have a high death-rate, or Some wine is made from grapes, are said to be 'predesignate.'

From Project Gutenberg

Again, such a proposition as Man is the paragon of animals is not a preindesignate, but an abstract proposition; the subject being elliptical for Man according to his proper nature; and the translation of it into a predesignate proposition is not All men are paragons; nor can Some men be sufficient, since an abstract can only be adequately rendered by a distributed term; but we must say, All men who approach the ideal.

From Project Gutenberg

The words Many, Most, Few are generally interpreted to mean Some; but as Most signifies that exceptions are known, and Few that the exceptions are the more numerous, propositions thus predesignate are in fact exponibles, mounting to Some are and Some are not.

From Project Gutenberg