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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.
💡 Concept

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

Even phenomenal stations reach their terminal with only nominal operations
🎵 Rhyme

Even phenomenal stations reach their terminal with only nominal operations

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈnɑːmɪnəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈnɒmɪnəl/

🌳Etymology

Rootnomin
Suffix--al

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

abdominal
phenomenal
terminal

🔗Collocations

nominal fee
nominal value
nominal head
nominal interest rate
nominal GDP
nominal wage

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The parking fee was nominal - just 50 cents for the whole day!”

😄 Fun example

“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.”

😄 Fun example

“He paid a nominal amount for the vintage car at the garage sale, not knowing it was worth millions.”

📚Related Words

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