Designee Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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designee

[ˌdɛzɪɡˈniː ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal term

A person or entity named to act on behalf of another in a legal or formal capacity, such as a representative or delegate.

Synonyms

delegate, proxy, representative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
designee	Designee is used to refer to a person who has been officially chosen to do something or be in a particular position. This term is often used in formal or official contexts. The CEO's designee attended the meeting in his place. The manager appointed a designee to oversee the project.
representative	Representative is used to describe someone who has been chosen or elected to speak or act for a group of people. It is commonly used in government, business, or organizational contexts. The sales representative met with the client to discuss the contract. She is a representative for our district in the state legislature.
delegate	Delegate is used when someone is given the responsibility to act on behalf of others, especially in a conference, organization, or political context. It implies trust and authority given to the person. She was chosen as the delegate to represent the company at the international conference. The president delegated the task to the vice president.
proxy	Proxy is used when a person is authorized to act on behalf of another, especially in voting or decision-making contexts. It often implies a temporary or substitutive role. She voted by proxy at the shareholder meeting. He sent his proxy to attend the board meeting in his place.

Examples of usage

The designee will attend the meeting on behalf of the director.
The designee is authorized to sign documents on behalf of the company.
The designee must follow the instructions given by the appointing authority.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In legal documents, a designee often receives authority to act on someone else's behalf, sometimes referred to as a power of attorney.
Designees are usually mentioned in scenarios involving estate planning, where an individual is named to manage assets after someone's passing.
Understanding who is designated in legal terms can help clarify roles in contract disputes or organizational structures.

Organizational Roles

In corporate settings, a designee may be appointed to represent a company in negotiations or discussions.
Designees often take on roles temporarily or for a specific project, showcasing the dynamic nature of workplace responsibilities.
This term emphasizes the importance of delegation and trust within organizations, allowing responsibilities to shift without losing oversight.

Cultural References

In various cultures, a designee may be referred to by different titles, such as delegate or representative, showing variations in role perception.
In many countries, the concept of a designee is crucial during elections, where individuals must appoint someone to take their place if they cannot vote.
Films and literature often depict designees as pivotal characters who face ethical dilemmas, enhancing the narrative around responsibility and choice.

Education

In academic settings, a designee may be selected to carry out tasks on behalf of a class or faculty, often enhancing teamwork skills.
Educational panels often have designees who represent different interests, from students to professors, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Fostering an understanding of designations in education prepares students for real-world scenarios where roles and responsibilities are shared.

Origin of 'designee'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Latin word 'designare', which means 'to mark out' or 'to designate'.
It has been used in English since the early 19th century, initially in legal contexts to refer to appointed positions.
The prefix 'de-' signifies 'from' or 'of', combining to express 'someone of a designated role'.

The word 'designee' originated from the French word 'désigner', which means 'to designate'. It entered the English language in the mid-19th century. The term is commonly used in legal contexts to refer to a person or entity appointed to act on behalf of another.