The definite article ‘the’ (invariable in form) designates

[GoldfishLord]

Definite Articles

General principles

The definite article ‘the’ (invariable in form) designates a person, place, or event which has been specified or defined by the speaker:

Here’s the book I bought.
The cat is on the roof.
He said he would bring the money.

Source: https://www.insegnanti-inglese.it/articles-b2/

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What's the meaning of "designates"? I'm not sure what it means.

 

[jutfrank]

There are lots of ways you can learn the meanings of new words.

One of those ways is to work out the meaning from context. I think this is a very good context for you to use because you already have a very clear understanding of what the whole sentence means. You can follow up by looking at other natural and authentic examples of use. Gradually, you'll develop a clear enough sense of the word.

 

[White Hat]

Wouldn't it be better to use 'help' in this case: 'The definite article ‘the’ helps (to) designate a person, place, or event which has been specified or defined by the speaker'?

 

[jutfrank]

Wouldn't it be better to use 'help' in this case: 'The definite article ‘the’ helps (to) designate a person, place, or event which has been specified or defined by the speaker'?

Why do you think so? Because it doesn't do it alone?

 

[GoldfishLord]

It seems to me that "designates" means "refer to".
What do you say?

 

[jutfrank]

It seems to me that "designates" means "refer to".
What do you say?

It's not helpful to ask whether one word 'means' another word.

Look up 'designate' in a few dictionaries, and read plenty of example sentences.

 

[GoldfishLord]

Abstract concepts are difficult to understand.
It would be helpful for me to know what word is close in the meaning to "designates".

 

[Tarheel]

I would probably use "indicates", but I have no problem with the original (designates). In other words, it is the word or words under discussion.