Designate: meaning, definitions and examples

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designate

[ˈdɛzɪɡˌneɪt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

officially assign

To designate means to officially assign or select someone or something for a particular purpose or role. It can also refer to giving a particular name or title to someone or something. Designating is often done with careful consideration and intention.

Synonyms

appoint, assign, label, name, select.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
designate	Use when formally choosing someone or something for a specific role or purpose. The board will designate a new chairman at the next meeting He was designated as team leader
appoint	Common in official or formal contexts, especially within organizational or governmental structures. The President will appoint a new ambassador She was appointed as the head of the department
select	Used when choosing someone or something from a larger group, generally implying a careful choice. The committee will select the best candidate for the job She was selected to participate in the competition
name	Used when giving someone or something a specific name or when identifying someone for a role. The parents decided to name their baby Emma He named Jane as his successor
assign	Used when giving someone a specific task or role to complete. The teacher will assign homework to the students He was assigned to complete the project by Friday
label	Used when attaching a descriptive word or phrase to something or someone, often categorically. Be careful not to label people too quickly She labeled the boxes according to their contents

Examples of usage

He was designated as the team captain for the upcoming season.
The area was designated as a national park to protect its unique ecosystem.
They decided to designate the project as top priority for the company.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'designare', which means 'to mark out' or 'to specify'.
It has been used in English since the late 14th century, evolving in meaning over time.
Early forms of the word were often related to art and drawing, showing its roots in creation.

Legal Context

In legal terms, 'designate' is used to assign rights or responsibilities in official documents.
Governments often designate specific areas for particular uses, like parks or schools.
Certain titles, like 'designated survivor', are legally established to ensure continuity in government.

Education

'Designate' can refer to chosen roles in classrooms, like a designate student leader for a project.
Schools may designate specific times for subjects, helping students stay organized.
Universities designate certain programs to be honors or advanced, distinguishing them from others.

Science

In scientific research, specific substances are designated for testing to control experiments.
Researchers may designate a control group to compare outcomes in experiments.
Designating variables helps clarify their roles in studies, making results easier to understand.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters may designate someone to carry out a mission, a common plot device.
Television shows often designate specific episodes as 'special' for holidays or important themes.
In gaming, players can designate team roles, enhancing strategy and collaboration.

Translations

Translations of the word "designate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 designar

🇮🇳 नामित करना

🇩🇪 bestimmen

🇮🇩 menunjuk

🇺🇦 призначати

🇵🇱 wyznaczać

🇯🇵 指定する

🇫🇷 désigner

🇪🇸 designar

🇹🇷 belirlemek

🇰🇷 지정하다

🇸🇦 يعين

🇨🇿 označit

🇸🇰 označiť

🇨🇳 指定

🇸🇮 določiti

🇮🇸 tilnefna

🇰🇿 тағайындау

🇬🇪 დანიშნვა

🇦🇿 təyin etmək

🇲🇽 designar

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,732 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5729 propaganda
5730 bibliography
5731 poison
5732 designate
5733 kid
5734 extracts
5735 consulted
...