appellative

American  

[uh-pel-uh-tiv] / əˈpɛl ə tɪv /

noun

1. a descriptive name or designation, as Bald in Charles the Bald.

2. a common noun.

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adjective

1. designative; descriptive.

2. tending toward or serving for the assigning of names.

   the appellative function of some primitive rites.

3. pertaining to a common noun.

appellative British  

/ əˈpɛlətɪv /

noun

1. an identifying name or title; appellation

2. grammar another word for common noun

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adjective

1. of or relating to a name or title

2. (of a proper noun) used as a common noun

Other Word Forms

• appellativeness
  noun
• appellatively
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of appellative

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin appellātīvus. See appellate, -ive

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

appellative

Now a taxidermied water buffalo head — the ox — watches from above the bar, while the appellative bull is represented across from it in gleaming metal.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 26, 2023

Subsequently, this name of office was applied to created angels and to men employed, and because they were employed, as messengers; and it finally came to be used as a personal appellative.

From The Messiah in Moses and the Prophets by Eleazar Lord

Even despotic governments have condescended to disguise the contributions forcibly levied, by some appellative which should partly conceal its real nature.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 by Isaac Disraeli

In referring to the root ark, erk, I have omitted the Ir. earc, water, the appellative most nearly concerned.

From The River-Names of Europe by Robert Ferguson

The Jains use the term with preference as an appellative of Vardhamāna whom they revere as their Buddha.—48.

From The Gospel of Buddha Compiled from Ancient Records by Paul Carus by Paul Carus

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