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noun Common

designation

deh-zihg-NAY-shuhn
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Designation (noun) means the act of officially naming or selecting something, or the name/title given. Example: “The committee approved the designation of the old mill as a protected building.”

noun
1
The act of officially naming or selecting something, or the name/title given.
"The committee approved the designation of the old mill as a protected building."
"The park received the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site."
"His official designation is Senior Consultant."

How to use designation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal title or the act of officially assigning one.

Common pairings
official designation receive a designation
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Word forms

Plural
designations
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The committee approved the _____ of the old mill as a protected building.

Etymology

Came into English via Middle English designacioun, from Latin dēsignātiō, and partly (especially in sense 5) from design plus -ation. By surface analysis, it breaks down as designate plus -ion.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for designation

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Frequently asked questions

What does “designation” mean?
The word “designation” means the act of officially naming or selecting something, or the name/title given. In plain terms, a formal title or the act of officially assigning one.
How do you pronounce “designation”?
“Designation” is pronounced deh-zihg-NAY-shuhn (/dɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “designation” in a sentence?
Here is “designation” used in a sentence: “The park received the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
What part of speech is “designation”?
“Designation” is a noun.
Is “designation” a common word?
“Designation” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between designation and title?
Designation refers broadly to the act of officially naming or selecting something, or the name given as a result, while title more specifically refers to a formal name attached to a rank, role, or position. Designation is the more general and often more official-sounding term.
How is designation used in formal or official contexts?
Designation is commonly used in legal, government, and organizational contexts to describe an official name or classification, such as a 'protected area designation' or a 'job designation.'
Is designation the same as a nickname?
No, designation refers to an official name or title given through a formal process, while a nickname is an informal, often affectionate name used casually rather than officially assigned.

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