Designate
/ˈdɛzɪɡneɪt/noun
To officially choose, identify, or describe someone or something for a particular purpose.
Did you know?The Latin root behind designate, signum, also referred to omens, gestures, seals, and astrological signs—things believed to reveal or authorize hidden meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sek-
“To cut or make an incision; this is a proposed deep source connected with Latin signum, though the connection is debated.”
Classical Latin
Latin
signum
“A mark, token, sign, seal, image, omen, or military standard.”
Classical Latin
Latin
signare
“To mark, seal, indicate, or identify with a sign.”
Classical Latin
Latin
designare
“To mark out, appoint, specify, or choose by marking.”
Late Latin
Latin
designatus
“Marked out, appointed, or designated.”
16th Century
English
designate
“To point out, indicate, appoint, or select for a specified role.”
Modern English
English
designate
“To officially identify, appoint, or assign for a particular purpose.”