Designate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ท๏ธ
designate
[หdษzษชษกหneษชt ]
Definition
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.
|
| appoint |
Common in official or formal contexts, especially within organizational or governmental structures.
|
| select |
Used when choosing someone or something from a larger group, generally implying a careful choice.
|
| name |
Used when giving someone or something a specific name or when identifying someone for a role.
|
| assign |
Used when giving someone a specific task or role to complete.
|
| label |
Used when attaching a descriptive word or phrase to something or someone, often categorically.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'designate'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'designate' comes from the Latin word 'designatus', which is the past participle of 'designare', meaning 'to mark out, choose, designate'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century, originally in the sense of 'point out, indicate'. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning of officially assigning or selecting someone or something.
See also: design, designable, designatable, designated, designating, designation, designator, designed, designee, designer, designers, designing, designs, overdesign, overdesigning, predesigned, redesign, undesignated.
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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