appellative

[ uh-pel-uh-tiv ]

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• apˈpellatively, adverb

Other Words From

• ap·pella·tive·ly adverb
• ap·pella·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of appellative¹

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

Example Sentences

In the curious case of Elle Fanning, however, the appellative is entirely deserved.

From The Daily Beast

Hence appellative words bearing any affinity with the names of the deceased are presently abolished.

From Project Gutenberg

We shall add, at the end, the appellative names contained in the laws, with their original and explication.

From Project Gutenberg

We must remember that nearly all Grecian proper names had some meaning: being compounds or derivatives from appellative nouns.

From Project Gutenberg

The schoolmaster's surname led him as far into dissertation as his Christian appellative.

From Project Gutenberg

But to make an application of the latter appellative at this time, would operate as an invitation to be knocked down.

From Project Gutenberg