notional

American  

[noh-shuh-nl] / ˈnoʊ ʃə nl /

adjective

1. pertaining to or expressing a notion or idea.

2. of the nature of a notion or idea.

   a notional response to the question.

3. abstract, theoretical, or speculative, as reflective thought.

4. not real or actual; ideal or imaginary.

   to create a notional world for oneself.

5. given to or full of foolish or fanciful ideas or moods.

6. Grammar.

   1. relating to the meaning expressed by a linguistic form.

   2. having full lexical meaning, in contrast to relational.

7. Semantics. belonging to a class of words that express clear concepts rather than relations between concepts; presentive.

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notional British  

/ ˈnəʊʃənəl /

adjective

1. relating to, expressing, or consisting of notions or ideas

2. not evident in reality; hypothetical or imaginary

   a notional tax credit

3. characteristic of a notion or concept, esp in being speculative or imaginary; abstract

4. grammar

   1. (of a word) having lexical meaning

   2. another word for semantic

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Other Word Forms

• nonnotional adjective
• notionality noun
• notionally adverb
• unnotional adjective
• unnotionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of notional

First recorded in 1590–1600; notion + -al ¹

Example Sentences

ICC judges also said in their decision on Monday that the mental capacities needed to "meaningfully exercise one's procedural and fair trial rights" did not have to be "at their notionally highest level".

From BBC

At Friday’s prices, that would mean these contracts alone have a notional value of more than $182 million, by MarketWatch’s calculations.

From MarketWatch

Pricing could be a challenge: Zepbound and Wegovy are both expensive enough on their own, and taking an Arrowhead drug on top of those prescriptions would notionally mean a significant add-on to that price.

From Barron's

Lyon's three wickets in 20 deliveries – he also bowled Harry Brook and Ben Stokes – left England 207-6 chasing a notional target of 435.

From BBC

Levenson adds, “our notional couple best not have any student loans.”

From Los Angeles Times