The difference between Describe and Designate

When used as verbs, describe means to represent in words, whereas designate means to mark out and make known.

Designate is also adjective with the meaning: designated.

check bellow for the other definitions of Describe and Designate

Describe as a verb (transitive):

To represent in words.

Examples:

"The feeling is difficult to describe, but not unpleasant."

"The geographer describes countries and cities."
Describe as a verb (transitive):

To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out.

Examples:

"to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle"
Describe as a verb (transitive, mathematics):

To give rise to a geometrical structure.

Examples:

"The function describes a very complex surface."
Describe as a verb (transitive, taxonomy):

To introduce a new taxon to science by explaining its characteristics and particularly how it differs from other taxa.

Examples:

"The fungus was first described by a botanist."
Describe as a verb (obsolete):

To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.

Designate as an adjective:

Designated; appointed; chosen.

Examples:

"rfquotek Sir G. Buck"

Designate as a verb:

To mark out and make known; to point out; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description

Examples:

"usex to designate the boundaries of a country"

"usex to designate the rioters who are to be arrested"
Designate as a verb:

To call by a distinctive title; to name.
Designate as a verb:

To indicate or set apart for a purpose or duty; — with to or for; to designate an officer for or to the command of a post or station.