nominal

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   existing in name only, not in reality or full force

   The chairman had nominal authority, but the committee made the decisions.

2. 2
   adj

   very small or symbolic in amount

   The museum charged only a nominal fee.

3. 3
   adj

   relating to names, nouns, or unadjusted stated amounts

   Nominal wages rose, but inflation reduced real income.

From Latin nominalis, "of names," from nomen, "name." From grammar it broadened to things that are named or stated formally, even when the reality is smaller or different.

Topics