Designation

/ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/

nounIntermediate📊CommonAction/Process
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The act of choosing and naming or classifying something or someone; a title or name given to someone or something.

/ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/

nounneutralIntermediate
Action/Process

The act of assigning or giving a name, label, or classification to something or someone.

The professor's designation of the students into groups helped facilitate the project.

💡 Simply: Think of it like giving someone a special title, like 'team captain' or 'lead singer.' It's the official name or job they have.

👶 For kids: It's like giving something a special name or job, like calling a cat 'Fluffy' or giving a job to someone.

More Examples

2

The new manager's designation as project lead was a significant promotion.

3

The bird received its formal designation as a species with a specific name.

4

The country's designation as a developing nation caused concern.

How It's Used

Formal/Official Context

"The company president announced the official designation of the new CEO."

Scientific

"The scientific designation for the species is *Homo sapiens*."

2

A name or title given to someone or something, often indicating a role, status, or characteristic.

/ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/

nounneutralIntermediate
Name/Status

A name or title.

Her designation as team leader was a clear indication of her abilities.

💡 Simply: It's the official name or job title someone or something has. Think of it like the name on your name tag at work.

👶 For kids: It's like a special name for a job, like 'teacher' or 'doctor'.

More Examples

2

The building received a historical landmark designation.

3

The manager's designation came with additional responsibilities.

4

The scientist's designation of the new species was accepted by the scientific community.

How It's Used

Workplace

"His designation within the firm was Senior Analyst."

Politics

"The president's designation of the ambassador required Senate approval."

Tip:It's like the *design* that *signals* what a person or thing is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

under the designation of

Named or classified as.

"He was employed under the designation of 'trainee'."

official designation

The formal or authorized name or title.

"The official designation of the building was 'City Hall'."

From Latin *dēsignātiō* ('a marking out, appointment'), from *dēsignāre* ('to mark out, appoint'), from *de-* ('from, away') + *signare* ('to mark').

The term has been used since the 16th century, originally in a legal or administrative context.

Memory tip

Imagine you're *designing* a label for something – that's the *designation*.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to mark out, appoint"

official designationformal designationjob designationhistorical designationspecies designation

Common misspellings

designnationdesingnation

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written