designate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To officially choose someone or something for a particular purpose or role.

   The committee designated her as the new chairperson.

2. 2
   verb

   To mark or describe something so it can be clearly identified.

   The area was designated a national park.

3. 3
   adj

   Chosen for a role but not yet officially holding it.

   The president designate will take office next month.

Simplified etymology

Designate, recorded from the mid-17th century, comes ultimately from Latin signum “a sign.” It belongs to the same historical word family as design, sign, signal, ensign, and insignia.

Borrowed from Latin dēsignātus, perfect passive participle of designō, see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and -ate (verb-forming suffix). Doublet of design.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary