verb
designate
DEHZ-ihg-nuht
verb
1
To officially choose or name someone or something for a particular role or purpose.
"The building was designated a historic landmark."
"She was designated as team leader for the project."
adj
1
Chosen for a role but not yet officially holding it.
"The ambassador-designate will take office next month."
How to Use Designate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially pick something or someone for a specific job or purpose.
Common mistake
As an adjective it comes after the noun, as in "chairman-designate," meaning chosen but not yet in post.
Common pairings
designate a successor
designated area
Word Forms
designated past tense, designates singular
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The building was _____ a historic landmark.
Etymology
From Latin designatus, past participle of designare, "to mark out" — the same root as "design."