design
UK[dɪˈzaɪn]US[dɪˈzaɪn]
v
To plan and make decisions about how something will be made, built, or function.
n
A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of something before it is made.
n
A decorative pattern.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
sign
de
down, away, off, thoroughly.
sign
Etymology
The word "design" entered English in the late 14th century from the Latin verb designare, meaning "to mark out, point out, devise, choose." This Latin term is a compound of the prefix de- ("out") and the verb signare ("to mark"), which itself derives from signum ("mark, sign"). The core logic of the word has always involved the concept of marking something out for a specific purpose. Over time, the meaning evolved from the literal act of marking to the more abstract intellectual process of planning and creating with intention, encompassing both the plan itself and its aesthetic execution.
Analysis
Structure: de + sign
- de- (Latin origin): A prefix meaning "down, away, off, thoroughly." In this context, it implies an action done thoroughly or with intention.
- sign (Latin origin): From signum, meaning "mark, token, indication, signal." It functions as the core root indicating a distinguishing mark.
Examples
She was hired to design the new public park.
The architect presented the initial design for the building.
The fabric has a beautiful floral design.