Designate
ˈdezɪɡneɪt
Definitions
2 meaningsTo officially choose someone or something for a particular purpose or job.
ˈdezɪɡneɪt
To appoint someone or something to a specific role or purpose.
The board of directors designated a new CEO.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're picking someone to be the captain of your team. Designate is like that – you're giving them a special job or title. For example, you could designate a friend as the 'snack monitor' for a movie night!
👶 For kids: To pick someone to do something special, like choosing a leader.
More Examples
The area was designated a national park.
She was designated as the team leader.
How It's Used
"The president designated the Secretary of State as his special envoy to the peace talks."
"The company designated a new project manager to oversee the restructuring efforts."
To indicate or specify something.
ˈdezɪɡneɪt
To specify or indicate something.
The map designates the capital city with a star.
💡 Simply: Think of it like pointing at a specific thing on a map. You're using 'designate' when you specify something – like 'the red pin on the map designates the location of the treasure'.
👶 For kids: To point something out or tell what something is.
More Examples
The report designates the primary cause of the failure.
The contract clearly designates the terms of payment.
How It's Used
"The code designated the variable as an integer."
"The law designates certain areas as protected zones."
Idioms & expressions
Designated hitter
In baseball, a player who bats in place of the pitcher but does not play in the field.
"The team used a designated hitter to maximize their offensive potential."
Designated driver
A person who is responsible for driving a group of people home safely from an event where alcohol is consumed.
"We had a designated driver to make sure everyone got home safely after the party."
From Latin *designare* ('to mark out, point out'), from *de-* ('down, out') + *signare* ('to mark').
The word 'designate' has been used since the 16th century, originally with the meaning of pointing out or marking something.
Memory tip
Think of a *design* that marks a specific area or role.
Word Origin
"to mark out, point out"