determinedesignate

Determinedesignate is a neologism used in philosophy of language and semantics to describe a referential mechanism in which an utterance simultaneously determines the identity of its referent and designates it with a linguistic expression. The term merges determine and designate and is meant to highlight the coordination between identifying a referent and pointing to it with words.

In its core sense, determinedesignate refers to cases where the chosen expression anchors its referent uniquely in the speaker’s context. The determination part involves establishing that only one object fits the description or role, while the designation part is the linguistic act of referring to that object with a particular expression, such as a definite description or proper name.

Realizations of determinedesignate commonly involve definite descriptions, indexical contexts, or uniquely identifying roles. For example, “the current president of France” aims to determine which individual holds that office and designates that person. Alternatively, a proper name in a context where it uniquely identifies the bearer also performs determinedesignate.

Etymology and status: determinedesignate appears to be a coined term rather than an established technical label. It is used informally in some discussions to stress the inseparability of determining and designating, but it has no single formal definition in standard reference works.

See also: reference, designation, definiteness, proper name, descriptivism, theory of meaning.