designate

Formsdesignates, designating, designated

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To choose someone or something and set them aside for a special job or duty.

   Like picking a player and telling them which position to play.

   The committee will designate two members to lead the project.

   They designate a backup officer for every command post.

   Similarassign, appoint, allocate, earmark, nominate

2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To point something out clearly so that others can see or know it.

   Like drawing a circle around the right answer so everyone notices it.

   Arrows on the map designate the emergency exits.

   She used a red pen to designate the corrections on the page.

   Similarmark, indicate, identify, denote, show

3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To give someone or something a special name or title.

   Like giving a newly discovered star its official name.

   Scientists designate each new species with a Latin name.

   The trustees voted to designate the library after its founder.

   Similarname, call, term, dub, label

   Note
4. 4
   adjectiveUK

   Placed after a job title to show that someone has been picked for the role but has not started yet.

   Like being named the winner before the prize is actually handed over.

   The ambassador designate will present her credentials next week.

   As chairman designate, he attended the meetings but cast no votes.

   Similarelect

   Note
5. 5
   adjective

   Chosen or appointed for a role or task.

   The designate heir took charge of the family business.

   Each designate representative received a formal letter of appointment.

   Similarappointed, chosen, selected, nominated

   Note

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