designate

[dez-ig-neyt, 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

Other Word Forms

• designative adjective
• designatory adjective
• designator noun
• dedesignate verb (used with object)
• nondesignate adjective
• nondesignative adjective
• redesignate verb (used with object)
• undesignated adjective
• undesignative adjective
• well-designated 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

The Red Cross criticized the U.S.-designated terrorist group for involving it in an apparent ruse.

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Under the state’s program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will designate three studio partners and three film-lease partner facilities.

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Together, these findings strengthen the case for designating the Weddell Sea as a Marine Protected Area.

Read more on Science Daily

He had already changed organizations three times, and been designated for assignment by the Mariners the day before.

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Alexander P. Robbins said that because Essayli also has been designated as first assistant U.S. attorney, he would retain his authority even if stripped of the “acting” title.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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