Designate

Designate is a word in English that functions as a verb and an adjective. As a verb, designate means to appoint someone to a position or role, often before they officially assume it. It can also mean to select or name something for a particular use, or to indicate or mark something for a specific purpose. Example: The board designated Ms. Lee as the new chief financial officer.

As an adjective, designate describes someone or something that has been named or appointed but has not yet taken effect, such as a designate successor; or something identified for a particular purpose, such as a designated driver or a designated area. On a map or in policy, to designate is to specify or set apart: The area is designated as a wildlife reserve.

Origin and development: designate comes from Latin designare “to mark out, designate,” via Old French designier; it entered English in the 15th century.

Usage notes: In formal or legal contexts, designate is commonly used to describe a person chosen to assume office in the near future. It contrasts with appoint (to install in a position) and nominate (to propose a candidate for consideration). The past tense designated indicates that the designation has occurred; designating is the present participle form used for ongoing action.

Related terms include designation (the act or result of designating) and designated (the adjectival form describing someone or something that has been designated). Designate is a versatile term in governance, planning, and everyday language when naming or earmarking people, roles, or purposes.