designate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "designate crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "designate crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NAME: To give a specific name or title to someone or something, often appointing them to a role.
MARK: To set aside or specify for a particular purpose or designation.
5 Letters
ELECT: To choose someone for a position by voting or selection, thereby designating them.
6 Letters
ASSIGN: To allocate a task, duty, or position to someone, thereby designating them for it.
DENOTE: To be a sign of; to indicate or designate something.
7 Letters
APPOINT: To assign a job or role to someone, formally designating them.
SPECIFY: To state or identify clearly and definitely, effectively designating a particular item or condition.
8 Letters
INDICATE: To point out or show, serving to designate a direction or an item.
More About "designate crossword clue"
"Designate" is a versatile word in the English language, and its use in crosswords reflects this flexibility. It can refer to the act of formally selecting someone for a role, as in "designate a successor," or to setting something aside for a particular use, like "designate a room for meetings." Understanding these nuances is key to cracking the clue, as setters often play on synonyms like 'appoint', 'assign', 'name', 'mark', or 'elect'.
The context within the puzzle is paramount. If you have intersecting letters, they can often narrow down whether the setter is leaning towards a formal appointment (e.g., APPOINT) or a more general indication (e.g., INDICATE). Always consider both the direct meaning and any figurative uses that might fit the definition of "designate" within the constraints of the puzzle.
This clue often appears in various puzzle types, from quick cryptic crosswords to more intricate themed puzzles. By familiarizing yourself with the common answers associated with "designate" and its synonyms, you build a stronger mental lexicon for future challenges, improving your speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your first and most crucial hint. For "designate," answers like NAME (4 letters) and APPOINT (7 letters) are equally valid but fit different slots.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword setters frequently use synonyms. Think of words that mean "designate" or its opposite, or words that relate to the act of designating, such as 'appoint', 'select', 'assign', 'elect', or 'mark'.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the theme of the puzzle or the answer to an intersecting clue can provide a subtle hint to the specific meaning or word choice for "designate." Don't solve clues in isolation.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "designate" being used as a verb, an adjective, or a noun in the clue's context? This can guide your choice of answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'designate' typically mean in a crossword?
In crosswords, 'designate' often points to answers related to naming, appointing, assigning, or indicating a specific role or purpose. Common synonyms include APPOINT, ASSIGN, NAME, or ELECT.
How many letters are common for 'designate' answers?
Answers for 'designate' can vary greatly in length, but frequently encountered lengths range from 4 to 8 letters, with 6 and 7-letter words being quite common (e.g., ASSIGN, DENOTE, APPOINT, SPECIFY).
Can 'designate' have multiple meanings in crosswords?
Yes, like many words, 'designate' can have several nuanced meanings that crossword setters exploit. It might mean to 'point out,' 'appoint to a position,' 'label,' 'mark,' or 'assign a task,' requiring solvers to consider the context of other clues or known letters.