désignation

Désignation is a term used in French and borrowed in English contexts to denote the act of designating or naming something, as well as the result of that act—the designation itself, i.e., the name or label assigned to a person, object, or concept. Etymologically from Latin designatio, it is built from designare, to designate or indicate.

In administrative and legal usage, designation often refers to a formal act of appointing a person to a role or function. A designation may be made by an authority and can be temporary or contingent; in some systems it is distinguished from a formal nomination or appointment, depending on the procedural context. The designated person may later be formally confirmed.

In linguistics and semiotics, désignation concerns how language points to a referent. It is the designation of a real-world object, concept, or situation by a linguistic expression or symbol. This use emphasizes the referential link between sign and object, rather than its broader semantic or pragmatic content.

In other domains, designation covers naming and labeling practices, such as place names (toponymy), product labels, or official designations of territories, organizations, or standards. Designations can be standardized by institutions (for instance, international bodies or regulatory agencies) to ensure consistency, safety, and interoperability.