Basic Details
Word: Earmark
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To set aside or designate something for a specific purpose.
Synonyms: Allocate, designate, reserve
Antonyms: Misappropriate, neglect, squander
Idioms and Phrases
- Earmarked for greatness: This phrase is used to describe someone who is believed to have the potential to achieve great things. Example: "With her amazing talents, she is earmarked for greatness in the world of science."
- Earmark funds: This phrase refers to the action of setting aside funds for a particular project. Example: "The government decided to earmark funds for education reform."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The school has decided to earmark some of its budget for new computers.
Example 2: The charity earmarked a portion of donations to help families in need.
Example 3: The city plans to earmark land for a new park to benefit the community.
Fun Fact
The term "earmark" originates from the 16th century, where it was used in animal husbandry. Farmers would mark their livestock's ears to show ownership and designate which animals belonged to them.
Famous Quote
"In business, your ability to earmark resources towards potential and growth defines your future." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "earmark" mean?
a) To waste resources
b) To set aside for a specific purpose
c) To ignore something
d) To sell something
Answer: b) To set aside for a specific purpose
2. Which of these is a synonym of "earmark"?
a) Allocate
b) Forget
c) Steal
d) Confuse
Answer: a) Allocate
3. Which is an antonym of "earmark"?
a) Reserve
b) Neglect
c) Designate
d) Set aside
Answer: b) Neglect
4. Which sentence uses "earmark" correctly?
a) He decided to earmark his favourite socks.
b) The teacher asked students to earmark important facts in their books.
c) She earmarked the flower for her garden.
d) Paul earmarked his notes in the library.
Answer: b) The teacher asked students to earmark important facts in their books.
5. What does "earmarked for greatness" imply?
a) Someone is destined for failure.
b) Someone has the potential to achieve something significant.
c) Someone has no future.
d) Someone is not very talented.
Answer: b) Someone has the potential to achieve something significant.
