designated
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
officially chosen for a particular job or purpose.
formally assigned or appointed to a specific role, task, or status.
Simple“Please leave your car in the designated parking area for visitors.”
In context“The designated smoking area was moved to the far end of the terrace to ensure that smoke did not drift into the main dining hall.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
the person in a group who stays sober so they can drive the others home safely.
referring to the 'designated driver'—a person who abstains from alcohol during a social outing to provide safe transport for others.
Simple“Since I am the designated driver tonight, I will just have a soda.”
In context“The group agreed that whoever was the designated driver for the evening would have their non-alcoholic drinks paid for by the rest of the party.”
Teacher's tipWhile 'designated' is B2, the specific phrase 'designated driver' is very common in social English and often learned earlier.
Synonymssober driver
“Since 2004, the US has designated ISIL a “foreign terrorist organisation”.”
“It includes all designated areas in the North Sea and Baltic Sea that have been identified for potential offshore wind energy development.”