Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Inclined to or serving for the giving of names: Describes something that has the function or tendency to name or designate.
   • Pertaining to or used as a common noun: Relating to or functioning as a noun that denotes a class of entities rather than a unique individual.

2. Noun:

   • An identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others: A name or appellation; specifically, in grammar, a common noun.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The appellative faculty of children is remarkable as they learn to label objects in their world.
  • In the sentence, "city" is used in an appellative sense, referring to any city in general.

• Noun:

  • "Person" is an appellative, while "John" is a proper name.
  • The appellative "doctor" can apply to many individuals in that profession.

Advanced Usage

• Appellative Use in Linguistics: Refers to the use of a word as a common noun to denote any member of a class.

  • The word "river" in its appellative use refers to any river, not a specific one like the Thames.

• Appellative Function: The role language plays in naming and categorizing the world.

  • A primary appellative function of language is to allow us to classify and communicate about our experiences.

Variants and Related Words

• Appellation (n): A name, title, or designation.
  • He earned the appellation "the Great" for his achievements.
• Appellatively (adv): In an appellative manner.
  • The term is used appellatively in this context.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Naming, designative, denominative.
• Noun: Common noun, name, designation, title.

Related Phrases and Usage Notes

• Appellative vs. Proper: A key distinction in grammar where an (common noun) names a class (e.g., "country"), while a names a specific individual member of that class (e.g., "France").
• In appellative function: Operating as a name for a type or category.
  • Words like "tool" or "emotion" primarily serve in an appellative function.

Adjective

1. inclined to or serving for the giving of names
   • the appellative faculty of children
   • the appellative function of some primitive rites
2. pertaining to or dealing with or used as a common noun

Noun

1. identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others