designing

UK: dɪˈzaɪnɪŋ | US: dɪˈzaɪnɪŋ

Definition

  1. adj. 1. acting in a scheming or manipulative way

  2. adj. 2. relating to the creation of designs

  3. v. (present participle of design) 3. planning or conceiving something with a specific purpose

Structure
de <down, out>sign <mark>ing <present participle suffix>
Etymology

The word designing originates from the Latin designare ("to mark out, devise"), combining de- (indicating thoroughness) and signare ("to mark," from signum, "mark"). The term evolved through Old French desseign ("purpose, plan") into Middle English designen, retaining its core idea of intentional creation. The negative connotation ("scheming") emerged later, reflecting the perceived artifice in calculated planning.

Examples

  1. Her designing mind crafted an elegant solution to the problem.

  2. He was accused of designing a plot to undermine his colleagues.

  3. The architect spent hours designing the building’s facade.

  4. She gave him a designing look, hinting at hidden motives.

  5. The software team is currently designing a user-friendly interface.