Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. a distinctive characteristic or attribute
2. identification mark on the ear of a domestic animal

Verb

1. 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