Definition, synonyms and related words
simple past tense and past participle of designate
"The committee designated him as their new spokesperson at yesterday's meeting."
In plain English: To designate something as a verb means to officially choose or name it for a specific purpose.
"The committee designated him as the new team leader."
Usage: Use designated when you have officially assigned a specific person or thing to a particular role or purpose. This often appears in phrases like "designated driver" or "designated hitter," where the selection is formal rather than casual.
Having a specified designation
"The designated driver was responsible for keeping everyone safe after we finished our meal at the bar."
In plain English: Designated means officially chosen or assigned for a specific purpose.
"The designated driver had to stay sober for everyone else."
Usage: Use "designated" to describe something officially assigned or appointed for a specific purpose, such as a designated parking spot or a designated driver. Avoid using it simply because an item looks planned or intended, as that usage lacks the necessary element of formal appointment.
Derived from Latin designatus, the past participle of designare meaning "to mark out" or "point to." It entered English via Old French with the sense of being appointed or chosen for a specific purpose.