Part 205

Syn. -- Intention; purpose; scheme; project; plan; idea. - - Design, Intention, Purpose. Design has reference to something definitely aimed at. Intention points to the feelings or desires with which a thing is sought. Purpose has reference to a settled choice or determination for its attainment. "I had no design to injure you," means it was no part of my aim or object. "I had no intention to injure you," means, I had no wish or desire of that kind. "My purpose was directly the reverse," makes the case still stronger.

Is he a prudent man . . . that lays designs only for a day, without any prospect to the remaining part of his life?

Tillotson.

I wish others the same intention, and greater successes.

Sir W. Temple.

It is the purpose that makes strong the vow.

Shak.

Des"ig*na*ble (?), a. Capable of being designated or distinctly marked out; distinguishable. Boyle.

Des"ig*nate (?), a. [L. designatus, p. p. of designare. See Design, v. t.] Designated; appointed; chosen. [R.] Sir G. Buck.

Des"ig*nate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Designated; p. pr. & vb. n. Designating.] 1. To mark out and make known; to point out; to name; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description; to specify; as, to designate the boundaries of a country; to designate the rioters who are to be arrested.

2. To call by a distinctive title; to name.

3. To indicate or set apart for a purpose or duty; -- with to or for; as, to designate an officer for or to the command of a post or station.

Syn. -- To name; denominate; style; entitle; characterize; describe.

Des`ig*na"tion (?), n. [L. designatio: cf. F. désignation.] 1. The act of designating; a pointing out or showing; indication.

2. Selection and appointment for a purpose; allotment; direction.

3. That which designates; a distinguishing mark or name; distinctive title; appellation.

The usual designation of the days of the week.

Whewell.

4. Use or application; import; intention; signification, as of a word or phrase.

Finite and infinite seem . . . to be attributed primarily, in their first designation, only to those things which have parts.

Locke.

Des"ig*na*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. désignatif.] Serving to designate or indicate; pointing out.

Des"ig*na`tor (?), n. [L.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) An officer who assigned to each his rank and place in public shows and ceremonies.

2. One who designates.

Des"ig*na*to*ry (?), a. Serving to designate; designative; indicating. [R.]

De*sign"ed*ly (?), adv. By design; purposely; intentionally; -- opposed to accidentally, ignorantly, or inadvertently.

De*sign"er (?), n. 1. One who designs, marks out, or plans; a contriver.

2. (Fine Arts) One who produces or creates original works of art or decoration.