earmark
To designate funds or resources for a specific future purpose
Examples
In a meeting
“We've earmarked budget for Q3 hiring even though we won't post roles until June.”
Over coffee
“I've earmarked that bonus for a vacation—it's not going into regular spending.”
Why this word
designate
Earmark means setting aside resources for a specific predetermined purpose, often officially, while designate is general assignment or naming
allocate
Earmark implies reserving funds or resources exclusively for a particular use, while allocate is broader distribution among purposes
reserve
Earmark specifies dedicating resources to a particular purpose or recipient, while reserve is holding back without necessarily specifying use
Usage tip
Common in budget and resource planning to show intentional allocation.
Etymology
From literal practice of marking livestock ears; ear (Old English eare) + mark (Old English mearc)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
anticipate
To expect or predict something and prepare for it accordingly.
preempt
Take action to prevent something before it happens
proactive
Acting in advance to deal with expected situations
capacity
The maximum amount that can be contained or produced
initiative
A new plan or action taken to achieve something
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional