nominative

American  

[nom-uh-nuh-tiv, nom-nuh-, nom-uh-ney-tiv] / ˈnɒm ə nə tɪv, ˈnɒm nə-, ˈnɒm əˌneɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. Grammar.

   1. (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.

   2. similar to such a case in function or meaning.

2. nominated; appointed by nomination.

3. made out in a person's name, as a certificate or security.

---

noun

Grammar.

1. the nominative case.

2. a word in the nominative case.

3. a form or construction of similar function or meaning.

nominative British  

/ ˈnɒmɪnətɪv, ˌnɒmɪnəˈtaɪvəl, ˌnɒmnə-, ˈnɒmnə- /

adjective

1. 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

2. appointed rather than elected to a position, office, etc

3. bearing the name of a person

---

noun

1. grammar

   1. the nominative case

   2. a word or speech element in the nominative case

Other Word Forms

• nominatival adjective
• nominatively adverb
• unnominative adjective

Etymology

Origin of nominative

1350–1400; < Latin nominātīvus ( nominate, -ive ), replacing Middle English nominatif < Middle French < Latin as above

Example Sentences

The idea that people grow up to embody their names is a phenomenon called "nominative determinism", Ms Kihm said.

From BBC

In fact, it's one of the best cases of nominative determinism we've come across for a while.

From BBC

The sport’s governing body made a provision for the 2020 Games that allowed athletes to lock up an individual nominative spot if they racked up enough points at World Cup events.

From Seattle Times

The FIG also allowed athletes to earn a nominative individual spot through the organization’s World Cup circuit.

From Seattle Times

Jade Carey earned a nominative spot through the World Cup circuit, meaning she will compete as an individual.

From Fox News