nominal — existing in name only; very small in amount
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: existing in name only; very small in amount
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnɑːmɪnəl/
Example Sentences
- The parking fee was nominal - just 50 cents for the whole day!
- She's the nominal captain of the team, but everyone knows her little sister calls the shots.
- The company's nominal profits look good on paper, but inflation tells a different story.
nominal
ADJECTIVE[/ˈnɑːmɪnəl/]
existing in name only; very small in amount

The nominal fee for the museum entry was just one dollar, almost symbolic.

Even phenomenal stations reach their terminal with only nominal operations
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'nominalis' meaning 'of or belonging to a name,' derived from 'nomen' meaning 'name.' The word entered English through Old French and Medieval Latin, originally used in philosophy and grammar to describe things existing in name rather than reality.
Breakdown
Latin 'nomen' (name) + '-al' (adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to') = nominal (relating to or existing in name only)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The parking fee was nominal - just 50 cents for the whole day!”
“She's the nominal captain of the team, but everyone knows her little sister calls the shots.”
“The company's nominal profits look good on paper, but inflation tells a different story.”
“He paid a nominal amount for the vintage car at the garage sale, not knowing it was worth millions.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.