earmark

 earmark

= to designate or set aside funds for a specific purpose

Mark decided to earmark part of his bonus for a new sports car.

Mark earmarked funds to upgrade the office’s IT infrastructure.

Susan earmarked some money for joining the university gym.

Susan earmarked cash to buy tickets for the basketball game.

Susan earmarked part of her budget for trying new restaurants.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "earmark":

Synonyms: 

allocate

designate

set aside

reserve

Antonyms:

withhold

confiscate

reclaim

divert

Question: What does "earmark" mean?

A) To hide money

B) To spend randomly

C) To set aside for purpose

D) To lose money

The Bonus

Mark decided to earmark part of his bonus for a new sports car. After all, he was a successful businessman, and successful businessmen absolutely needed shiny red toys that went "vroom." He dragged his girlfriend Chloe to every luxury showroom in the city. Chloe stared at the Lamborghinis, yawned loudly, and said, "They all have four wheels and make noise. Just pick one." Mark sighed deeply. She was definitely not helping.

Then Susan, a broke university student who was selling lemonade outside the dealership, walked by. "Excuse me, sir," she said. "I heard you want the best vehicle money can buy?" Mark nodded proudly, expecting expert advice. Susan pointed to a bright pink bicycle with a basket, a bell, and a tiny flag. "This is absolutely perfect for you."

Mark burst out laughing. "Why?!"

"Well, your bonus is huge, but parking in this city costs more than my four years of tuition. Also, with rush-hour traffic, this bike is actually faster. Oh, and the basket perfectly fits your ego."

Mark stared at the bicycle. He bought it. Chloe finally smiled. And Mark learned that sometimes, the best sports car in the world has two wheels, a bell, and zero parking fees.

Questions

1. What does the word "earmark" mean in the story?

A) To spend money quickly without thinking

B) To designate or set aside funds for a specific purpose

C) To share money with friends and family

D) To hide money so no one can find it

2. Why did Mark earmark part of his bonus?

A) He wanted to buy a bicycle for Susan.

B) He set aside part of his bonus specifically to purchase a new sports car.

C) He needed to pay for Chloe's university tuition.

D) He wanted to put all his money in a bank account.