1. 标示;把…定名为;称呼
    When you designate someone or something as a particular thing, you formally give them that description or name.

    e.g. ...a man interviewed in one of our studies whom we shall designate as E...
           在我们的一项研究中接受访谈的男子，我们称之为 E
    e.g. There are efforts under way to designate the bridge a historic landmark...
           人们正在努力将这座桥定为历史遗迹。

2. 指定
    If something is designated for a particular purpose, it is set aside for that purpose.

    e.g. Some of the rooms were designated as offices.
           其中一些房间被指定用作办公室。
    e.g. ...scholarships designated for minorities...
           专门给予少数族裔学生的奖学金

3. 指派;选派;委任
    When you designate someone as something, you formally choose them to do that particular job.

designate是什么意思

    e.g. Designate someone as the spokesperson...
           指派某人为发言人
    e.g. The President's designated successor is his son.
           总统的选定继承人是他的儿子。

4. （已受委派）尚未上任的;（已当选）尚未就职的
    Designate is used to describe someone who has been formally chosen to do a particular job, but has not yet started doing it.

designate

    e.g. Japan's Prime Minister-designate is completing his Cabinet today.
           日本的当选首相今日将完成组阁。