Earmark: meaning, definitions and examples

Earmark is often used in financial or resource allocation contexts to indicate that something is set aside for a specific purpose. It can also imply a preliminary designation and sometimes carries a bureaucratic tone.

• The government decided to earmark funds for the new public library project.
• She earmarked a portion of her salary for her vacation savings.

Allocate is typically used in formal or business contexts to describe the distribution of resources, budget, or responsibilities clearly and systematically.

• The manager allocated tasks to each team member.
• Funds have been allocated for the development of new software.

Designate is often used to formally name or assign a purpose to something or someone, usually in official contexts. It emphasizes the act of appointing or marking something for a specific role.

• She was designated as the project leader.
• The area has been designated for future development.

Reserve is frequently used in everyday speech to indicate that something is set aside for future use. It often conveys a sense of keeping resources available for when they are specifically needed.

• Please reserve a table for two at the restaurant.
• They decided to reserve the conference room for next week's meeting.

Use when specifically setting something aside for a particular purpose, typically in financial or budgetary contexts. Often implies official or formal allocation.

• The government earmarked funds for the new school project.
• A percentage of the budget is earmarked for medical research.

Apply in situations where distributing resources or responsibilities among different parts or people is required. Common in business, project management, and administrative contexts.

• The manager allocated tasks to each team member.
• We need to allocate more funds to marketing.

Utilize when officially assigning a particular person to a specific task, role, or position or when marking something for a specific use. Often involves authority or formal appointment.

• She was designated as the team leader.
• This area is designated for parking only.

Employ when saving something for future use or special purposes, or when setting something aside in advance to ensure availability. Can also convey the idea of holding back something for a specific reason.

• We reserved a table at the restaurant.
• She reserves weekends for family time.