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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.

earmark

/ˈɪrˌmɑrk/ /ˈɪəˌmɑːk/

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.

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