ENGLISH
REFERENCE

designation

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˌdɛzəɡˈneɪʃən// UK //dˌɛzɪɡnˈeɪʃən// des·ig·na·tion Archaic

n. an official name, title, or description given to a person or thing. It helps people identify exactly what something is or what its purpose is.

n. an official name, title, or classification assigned to a person, place, or object. Often implies a formal process of selection or identification by an authority.


SIMPLE

The area received a special designation as a national park.

CONTEXTUAL

The building's designation as a historical landmark prevents the owners from making major changes to the exterior.

COMPLEX

While the job title changed, her official designation within the corporate hierarchy remained that of a senior consultant, affecting her salary grade and reporting line.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English designacioun, from Latin dēsignātiō, and partly (especially in sense 5) from design + -ation. By surface analysis, designate + -ion.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the act of naming; countable when referring to the specific title or name itself.

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