earmark
/'iəmɑ:k/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A distinctive characteristic or attribute: A feature or quality that makes something or someone easily recognizable.
- An identification mark on the ear of a domestic animal: A cut or tag placed on an animal's ear to show ownership.
Verb:
- To designate or set aside for a specific purpose: To assign a resource, such as money or time, for a particular use or person.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- His meticulous attention to detail is the earmark of a true craftsman.
- The rancher checked the earmark on the sheep to identify its owner.
Verb:
- The government will earmark funds for infrastructure projects.
- I will earmark this room as a quiet study area.
Advanced Usage
- "To bear the earmarks of": To show clear signs or characteristics of something.
- The proposal bears the earmarks of a rushed job.
- "Earmarked funds": Money that is officially designated for a specific purpose.
- The earmarked funds cannot be used for any other department's expenses.
Variants and Related Words
- Earmarking (gerund/noun): The act of designating something for a specific purpose.
- The earmarking of taxes for education is a common practice.
Synonyms
- Noun (characteristic): Hallmark, trademark, attribute, feature.
- Verb (designate): Allocate, assign, reserve, set aside, designate.
Related Phrases
- Earmark for: To designate something specifically for a use or recipient.
- Congress voted to earmark the revenue for highway maintenance.
Related Idioms
- "To have all the earmarks of": To possess all the typical signs or features of something.
- This situation has all the earmarks of a serious misunderstanding.
Noun
- a distinctive characteristic or attribute
- identification mark on the ear of a domestic animal
Verb
- give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
- I will earmark this money for your research
- She sets aside time for meditation every day