nominative
Americanadjective
-
Grammar.
-
(in certain inflected languages, as Sanskrit, Latin, and Russian) noting a case having as its function the indication of the subject of a finite verb, as in Latin Nauta bonus est “The sailor is good,” with nauta “sailor” in the nominative case.
-
similar to such a case in function or meaning.
-
-
nominated; appointed by nomination.
-
made out in a person's name, as a certificate or security.
noun
-
the nominative case.
-
a word in the nominative case.
-
a form or construction of similar function or meaning.
adjective
-
grammar denoting a case of nouns and pronouns in inflected languages that is used esp to identify the subject of a finite verb See also subjective
-
appointed rather than elected to a position, office, etc
-
bearing the name of a person
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of nominative
1350–1400; < Latin nominātīvus ( see nominate, -ive), replacing Middle English nominatif < Middle French < Latin as above
Vocabulary lists containing nominative
Conventions, Writing, and Speaking & Listening, Unit 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Conventions, Writing, and Speaking & Listening, Unit 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nominative determinism: With Craig Overton replacing Jake Ball in England’s XI, who are cricket’s other examples of nominative determinism?
From The Guardian • Dec. 1, 2017
Nominative determinism is a term coined by the New Scientist, referring to when people's names reflect, perhaps even determine, their job or their interests.
From The Guardian • Sep. 8, 2010
But if the Article be joined to the Noun, it is governed in the Nominative; as, mar a' ghrian, like the sun, Psal. lxxxix.
From Elements of Gaelic Grammar by Stewart, Alexander
In Neuters the Accusative and Nominative are always alike, and in the Plural end in -ă.
From New Latin Grammar by Bennett, Charles E. (Charles Edwin)
It is only, however, when the Verb is Active that the Nominative is Agent or Cause.
From Continental Monthly , Vol. 5, No. 6, June, 1864 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
