self-designation
|self-des-ig-na-tion|
/ˌsɛlf.dɛzɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/
name or label one gives oneself
Etymology
'self-designation' originates from Modern English, specifically a compound of the Old English word 'self' and the word 'designation' (from Latin 'designatio'), where 'self' meant 'one's own' and 'designatio' derived from Latin 'designare' meant 'to mark out or appoint'.
'designation' changed from Latin 'designatio' (Medieval Latin) through Old French 'designacion' and Middle English 'designation', and the compound 'self-designation' was formed in Modern English by combining 'self' with 'designation'.
Initially, 'designatio' and related words meant 'the act of marking out or appointing'; over time in English the sense broadened to include 'the act of naming or identifying', and 'self-designation' came to mean specifically naming or identifying oneself.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of designating oneself by a particular name, title, or label; self-identification.
Her self-designation as a "community leader" shaped how others approached her.
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Noun 2
a name or title that someone uses for themselves (often to express identity or role).
The committee accepted the group's self-designation in its report.
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Last updated: 2026/01/20 14:04