nominative

[ nom-uh-nuh-tiv, nom-nuh- nom-uh-ney-tiv ]

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. Compare subjective.
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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈnominatively, adverb
• nominatival, adjective

Other Words From

• nomi·na·tive·ly adverb
• un·nomi·native adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominative¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominative¹

C14: from Latin nōminātīvus belonging to naming, from nōmen name

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

She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.

From Seattle Times

She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.

From Washington Times