verb , adjective
■ verb / ˈdezɪgneɪt; NAmE / [ often passive ]
1.
designate sth (as) sth | designate sth (as being sth) to say officially that sth has a particular character or name; to describe sth in a particular way :
[ vn - n ]
This area has been designated (as) a National Park.
This floor has been designated a no-smoking area.
[ vn ]
Several pupils were designated as having moderate or severe learning difficulties.
a designated nature reserve
designated seats for the elderly
2.
designate sb (as) sth to choose or name sb for a particular job or position :
[ vn ]
The director is allowed to designate his / her successor.
[ vn - n ]
Who has she designated (as) her deputy?
[ vn to inf ]
the man designated to succeed the president
3.
[ vn ] to show sth using a particular mark or sign :
The different types are designated by the letters A, B and C.
■ adjective
/ˈdezɪgneɪt; -nət/ [ after noun ] ( formal ) chosen to do a job but not yet having officially started it :
an interview with the director designate
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent. (as an adjective): from Latin designatus designated, past participle of designare , based on signum a mark. The verb dates from the late 18th cent.