designate
To officially choose someone or something to do a special job, or to identify and mark something for a specific purpose.
Implies pointing someone out or marking a physical space clearly, often before the actual action or role begins (e.g., 'designated survivor').
Word relationships
- nominate: 'Nominate' means to propose someone for a role or award, but they still have to be elected or confirmed, whereas 'designate' is a direct appointment.
- earmark: 'Earmark' is used almost exclusively for resources or funds, while 'designate' can be used for people, roles, and physical spaces.
- ignore: 'Ignore' means to overlook or fail to mark or choose something.
- generalize: 'Generalize' means to treat things as a whole rather than marking out a specific one.
Commonly confused with
- design: 'Design' means to plan and create the look or function of something, while 'designate' means to point out or assign a role.
Word family
- designation (noun): An official name, description, or title; or the act of choosing someone.
Collocations
- designated driver
- designate a successor
- designated area
- officially designate
Example sentences
- "In the event of an emergency, please gather at the designated assembly point in the parking lot." A safety briefing at an office.
- "The prime minister is expected to designate her deputy as the lead negotiator for the upcoming trade talks." A political news update.
Memory hook
Think of putting a bright neon 'sign' on someone's chest to 'design-ate' them as the leader of the group. Put a sign on them.
When not to use
Do not use when you are describing the ongoing process of managing someone; use 'designate' only for the initial act of choosing or marking.
Fun facts
- The 'designated driver' campaign, launched in the late 1980s, was a highly successful public health initiative that deeply embedded this word into everyday global vocabulary.
Explore more words
prioritize, consecrate, Stipulate, preordained, prescribe, destiny
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