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.

---

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

---

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

Etymology

Origin of appellative

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

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

The younger brother softened at the old appellative; he composed his ruffled feathers, and went at it more submissively.

From Mattie:?A Stray (Vol 2 of 3) by Robinson, Frederick William

Archer’s name is generally associated with it, but without taking that definite and appellative form it ought to.

From The Evolution of Photography With a Chronological Record of Discoveries, Inventions, etc., Contributions to Photographic Literature, and Personal Reminescences Extending over Forty Years by Werge, John

Again—there are forms such as ang, amb, and, &c., which are merely a strengthening of the roots ag, ab, ad, or at, and which also are found in a number of appellative forms.

From The River-Names of Europe by Ferguson, Robert

With every proper name the etymological operation is by one degree more difficult than with an appellative....

From Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2) by Lang, Andrew