designate

[ verb dez-ig-neyt; adjective dez-ig-nit, -neyt ]
/ verb ˈdɛz ɪgˌneɪt; adjective ˈdɛz ɪg nɪt, -ˌneɪt /

verb (used with object), des·ig·nat·ed, des·ig·nat·ing.

to mark or point out; indicate; show; specify.
to denote; indicate; signify.
to name; entitle; style.
to nominate or select for a duty, office, purpose, etc.; appoint; assign.

adjective

named or selected for an office, position, etc., but not yet installed (often used in combination following the noun it modifies): ambassador-designate.

Origin of designate

1640–50; < Latin dēsignātus, past participle of dēsignāre. See design, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM designate

British Dictionary definitions for designative

designate

verb (ˈdɛzɪɡˌneɪt) (tr)

to indicate or specify
to give a name to; style; entitle
to select or name for an office or duty; appoint

adjective (ˈdɛzɪɡnɪt, -ˌneɪt)

(immediately postpositive) appointed, but not yet in office a minister designate

Derived forms of designate

designative or designatory (ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪtrɪ), adjective designator, noun

Word Origin for designate

C15: from Latin dēsignātus marked out, defined; see design