Words / C1

DEZ-ign-ayt/ˈdezɪɡneɪt/

To designate is to choose someone or something for a particular role or name: designate a quiet room, designate a successor. Appoint is close for people; name and set aside are everyday; earmark is close for money or space. Designated is the adjective (a designated smoking area). In speech, set aside as / name as is enough. Official tone. Do not use it for a casual nickname.

Meaning

To choose someone or something for a particular role or name.

Examples

• “The room was designated a quiet study space.”
• “The room was designated a quiet study space and the posters came down.”
• “She was designated the fire warden, with a yellow tabard and a list.”

Good to know

Officially name or set aside. Everyday: name as / set aside. Close: appoint (people). Adjective: designated. Official, not a nickname.

Near in meaning

appoint

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