designation

/ˌdezɪɡˈneɪʃən/ American

Origin

From Latin "designatio" (marking out, specification), from "designare" (to mark out, point out)

Meanings

1. The act of choosing someone officially for a position or duty

   • "His designation as team captain was well-deserved."

2. A title, description, or name given to something or someone

   • "Manager is her official designation in the company."

3. The action of specifying or identifying something

   • "The designation of the area as a national park protects its wildlife."

Word Forms

• Verb: designate
• Adjective: designated
• Noun: designator

Synonyms

• appointment
• nomination
• assignment
• classification
• naming
• specification

Common Collocations

• official designation
• special designation
• job designation
• formal designation

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: design + ation - Think of it as "designing" someone's role or position
2. Think: "Design-nation" - designing the name/position for something in the nation

Usage Notes

• Often used in formal or professional contexts
• Frequently appears in business and legal documents
• Can refer to both the process of naming/appointing and the resulting title/position