Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense designates, present participle designating, past tense, past participle designatedpronunciation note: The verb is pronounced (dezɪgneɪt). The adjective is pronounced (dezɪgnət).
1. verb
When you designate someone or something as a particular thing, you formally give them that description or name.
...a man interviewed in one of our studies whom we shall designate as E. [VERB noun + as]
There are efforts under way to designate the bridge a historic landmark. [VERB noun noun]
I live in Exmoor, which is designated as a national park. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: specify, term, class, describe More Synonyms of designate
2. verb [usually passive]
If something is designatedfor a particular purpose, it is set aside for that purpose.
Some of the rooms were designated as offices. [beV-ed + as/for]
...scholarships designated for minorities. [VERB-ed]
Smoking is allowed in designated areas. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: choose, reserve, select, label More Synonyms of designate
3. verb
When you designate someone as something, you formally choose them to do that particular job.
Designate someone as the spokesperson. [VERB noun + as]
The President's designated successor is his son. [VERB-ed]
4. adjective [noun ADJECTIVE]
Designate is used to describe someone who has been formally chosen to do a particular job, but has not yet started doing it.
Japan's Prime Minister-designate is completing his Cabinet today.
More Synonyms of designate
designate in British English
verb (ˈdɛzɪɡˌneɪt)(transitive)
1.
to indicate or specify
2.
to give a name to; style; entitle
3.
to select or name for an office or duty; appoint
adjective (ˈdɛzɪɡnɪt, -ˌneɪt)
4. (immediately postpositive)
appointed, but not yet in office
a minister designate
Derived forms
designative (ˈdesigˌnative) or designatory (ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪtrɪ)
adjective
designator (ˈdesigˌnator)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin dēsignātus marked out, defined; see design
designate in American English
(ˈdɛzɪgˌneɪt; for adj., ˈdɛzɪgnɪt; ˈdɛzɪgˌneɪt)
adjective
1.
named for an office, etc. but not yet in it
ambassador designate
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈdesigˌnated or ˈdesigˌnating
2.
to point out; mark out; indicate; specify
3.
to refer to by a distinguishing name, title, etc.; name
4.
to name for an office or duty; appoint
Derived forms
designative (ˈdesigˌnative)
adjective
designator (ˈdesigˌnator)
noun
Word origin
ME < L designatus, pp. of designare: see design
Examples of 'designate' in a sentence
designate
In California they designate the places where pe(lestrians have right of way ovcr traffic by painting, in the highway, `Ped.
Trenhalle, John A MEANS TO EVIL (2002)
I intend to take it, subject of course to your approval and, as the prime minister designate, with your permission.
Leasor, James TANK OF SERPENTS (2002)
To employ the commonplace lingo and designate the moustache as merely `a Handle-Bar ' would be to do it a deep injustice.
Nicola Barker BEHINDLINGS (2002)
{ A Living Will Versus a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care } Why would I designate a health-care proxy?
French, Vivian &Fisher, Chris (illustrator) THE STAPLE STREET GANG: MANDY AND THE PURPLE SPOTTED HANKY (2002)
In other languages
designate
British English: designate VERB
When you designate someone or something as a particular thing, you formally give them that description or name.
...a man interviewed in one of our studies whom we shall designate as E.
American English: designate
Brazilian Portuguese: designar
Chinese: 命名
European Spanish: nombrar
French: désigner
German: benennen
Italian: designare
Japanese: 称する
Korean: 지명하다
European Portuguese: designar
Latin American Spanish: nombrar
Chinese translation of 'designate'
designate
(vbˈdɛzɪɡneɪt; adjˈdɛzɪɡnɪt)
vt
(= nominate) 指定 (zhǐdìng)
to be designated for/as sth专(專)门(門)用于(於)某事 (zhuānmén yòng yú mǒushì)
adj
chairman/prime minister designate已受委任的主席/首相 (yǐ shòu wěirèn de zhǔxí/shǒuxiàng)
in designated areas在指定区(區)域 (zài zhǐdìng qūyù)
1 (verb)
Definition
to give a name to or describe as
one man interviewed in our study, whom we shall designate as `Mr E'
Synonyms
name
My mother insisted on naming me Horace.
call
They called their daughter Mischa.
term
He had been termed a temporary employee.
style
people who would like to style themselves as great thinkers
label
Too often the press are labelled as irresponsible.
entitle
an instrumental piece entitled `Changing States'
dub
He dubbed it the most exciting film currently in cinemas.
nominate
christen
a boat which he christened `the Stray Cat'
2 (verb)
Definition
to give a name to or describe as
I live in Exmoor, which is designated as a national park.
Synonyms
specify
He has not specified what action he would like them to take.
term
class
I would class my garden as being medium in size.
describe
Even his allies describe him as forceful, aggressive and determined.
indicate
`Sit down,' he said, indicating a chair.
brand
define
The Court must define the limits of its authority.
pronounce
classify
characterize
stipulate
International rules stipulate the number of foreign entrants.
denote
Red eyes denote strain and fatigue.
3 (verb)
Some of the rooms were designated as offices.
Synonyms
choose
reserve
Strain and reserve the cooking liquor.
select
They selected only bright pupils.
label
The produce was labelled `Made in China'.
flag
tag
Important trees were tagged to protect them from machinery.
assign
Later in the year, she'll assign them research papers.
allocate
Tickets will be allocated to those who apply first.
set aside
earmark
Extra money has been earmarked for the new projects.
mark out
allot
We were allotted half an hour to address the committee.
keep back
4 (verb)
Definition
to select (someone) for an office or duty
We need to designate someone as our spokesperson.
Synonyms
appoint
It made sense to appoint a banker to this job.
name
The Scots have yet to name their team.
choose
I chose him to accompany me on my trip.
commission
You can commission them to paint something especially for you.
select
elect
The people have voted to elect a new president.
delegate
Officials have been delegated to start work on a settlement.
nominate
It is legally possible for an elderly person to nominate someone to act for them.
assign
Did you choose this country or were you simply assigned here?
depute
A sub-committee was deputed to investigate the claims.