Designate Meaning

/ˈdɛz.ɪɡ.nət/
B2

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

adjDesignated; appointed; chosen.

adjUsed after a role title to indicate that the person has been selected but has yet to take up the role.

Blue lines on the map designate rivers.
The blue lines on the map designate rivers.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The committee will ____ her as the new project leader tomorrow.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Blue lines on the map ____ rivers.

Borrowed from Latin dēsignātus, perfect passive participle of designō, see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and -ate (verb-forming suffix). Doublet of design.

"King designate" — 1619, George Buck, The History of King Richard the Third:
""Yes, let 'Sister' Davis have a whack at it too," urged George Bland. Tom Davis, who was Joe Matson's particular chum, was designated "Sister" because, in an incautious moment, when first coming to Excelsior Hall, he had shown a picture of his very pretty sister, Mabel." — 1912, chapter 1, in Baseball Joe on the School Nine, Stratemeyer Syndicate:

Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
The committee will ____ her as the new project leader tomorrow.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Blue lines on the map ____ rivers.

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