nominal

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈnɑːmɪnəl/ (American English)
• Phonetic: NAH-muh-nuhl

Origin

From Latin "nominalis" meaning "pertaining to a name," derived from "nomen" (name)

Meanings

1. Existing in name only, not in reality

   • Example: The king held nominal power, but the prime minister made all the important decisions.

2. Very small or far below the real value or cost

   • Example: The museum charges only a nominal fee for admission.

3. Relating to or consisting of names

   • Example: The nominal roll of students was checked before the exam.

4. (Grammar) Relating to or functioning as a noun

   • Example: In the phrase "the running of the bulls," "running" is a nominal form of the verb "to run."

Related Words

• Noun: nominality
• Adverb: nominally
• Synonyms: titular, in name only, token, symbolic

Memorization Tricks

• Think "NO-minal" - as in "NO real power or value"
• Remember "nom" in "nominal" sounds like "name" - it's often just a name without substance
• Associate with "nominee" - someone named for a position but not necessarily holding real power