Earmark - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To earmark means to set aside or designate something, such as funds or resources, for a specific purpose. It implies reserving or allocating with a particular goal in mind.
Definition:
To designate or set aside for a specific purpose or use.
Synonyms:
allocate, reserve, designate, assign
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
disregard, neglect
Common Collocations:
earmark funds, earmark resources, earmark money
Derivatives:
earmarked, earmarking
Usage Tips:
Use "earmark" to indicate setting something aside for a particular purpose, often in formal contexts like budgets or plans.
Common Phrases:
earmark for a purpose, earmark as special, earmark funds for
Etymology:
Originates from Old English "ēare" (ear) and "mearc" (mark), referring to marking livestock by notching their ears.
Examples:
- 1. The government will earmark funds for education reform.
- 2. She decided to earmark part of her salary for travel savings.
- 3. The project was earmarked as a priority by the committee.
- 4. They earmarked the old building for renovation next year.