What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
appoint
Example
The company will appoint a new CEO next month. [appoint: verb]
Example
He was appointed as the team captain for the upcoming game. [appointed: past tense]
designate
Example
They designated the room as a quiet study area. [designate: verb]
Example
She was designated as the project manager for the new initiative. [designated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Appoint is more commonly used than designate in everyday language, especially in professional or organizational settings. Appoint is a widely recognized term for assigning people to positions or roles, while designate is less common and often used in more specific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between appoint and designate?
While appoint is generally considered more formal, designate can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Designate is more flexible in its usage and can be employed in a wider range of situations, allowing for both professional and casual communication.
