Meaning & Definition of word "Designate"

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    Designate

    /ˈdɛz.ɪɡ.neɪt/

    noun:

    • 1. a person or thing that is designated.
      • Example: The designate will assume their role after the election.

    verb:

    • 1. to officially assign a specified status or role to someone or something.
      • Example: The committee decided to designate her as the new chairperson.
    • 2. to mark or indicate; to specify.
      • Example: The map will designate the locations of all the historical sites.
    • 3. to name or entitle; to call by a specific name.
      • Example: He was designated as the team's captain for the upcoming tournament.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'designare', meaning 'to mark out, designate' and from 'de-' plus 'signare', to sign.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    designate as:

    to officially assign a particular status or role to someone or something

    designated driver:

    a person who is chosen to drive others home, especially after drinking

    designated hitter:

    a player in baseball who bats for the pitcher

    Related Words

    designation:

    the act of appointing or naming someone to a position

    designator:

    someone who designates or assigns

    designative:

    serving to designate or indicate

    Slang Meanings of designate

    Meaning: to label someone or something informally

    Example Sentence: He's the designated smartass of the group.

    Meaning: to mark something for a specific use or purpose in casual terms

    Example Sentence: That room is designated as the party zone.