designatory
|de-sig-na-to-ry|
🇺🇸
/dɪˈzɪɡnətɔːri/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈzɪɡnət(ə)ri/
serving to designate
Etymology
'designatory' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'designare', where 'de-' meant 'away/from' and 'signare' meant 'to mark'.
'designatory' changed from the Medieval Latin/Old French formations (e.g. Medieval Latin 'designatorius' or Old French 'désignatoire') and eventually became the modern English word 'designatory' by way of the verb 'designate' plus the adjectival suffix '-ory'.
Initially related to the act 'to mark out' or 'to appoint' (from 'designare'), but over time it evolved into the adjective meaning 'serving to designate' or 'relating to designation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
serving to designate, point out, or indicate; specifying or identifying.
The committee's designatory powers allowed it to appoint a new director.
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Adjective 2
relating to designation or the act of appointing or naming someone or something.
The statute contains designatory language that limits who may qualify as a beneficiary.
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Last updated: 2025/12/21 00:26