Definition

1. Adjective:

   • (Grammar) Relating to or denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in inflected languages that is used for the subject of a verb: The nominative case typically identifies the word that performs the action of the verb.
   • Appointed by nomination: Chosen or designated for a position through a formal nomination process.
   • Named; bearing the name of a specific person: Specifically identified with a particular individual's name.

2. Noun:

   • (Grammar) The nominative case: The grammatical case used for the subject of a verb.
   • (Grammar) A word in the nominative case: A noun, pronoun, or adjective that is inflected into or used in this case.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • In the sentence "She reads," the pronoun "She" is in the nominative case because it is the subject.
  • The committee filled the position through a nominative process.
  • He owned nominative shares, which were registered in his personal name.

• Noun:

  • In Latin, "puella" (girl) is in the nominative when it is the subject.
  • The word "I" is always a nominative when used as a subject in English.

Advanced Usage

• Predicate Nominative: A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb (like 'be', 'become', 'seem') and renames or identifies the subject. It is in the nominative case.
  • In "He is the king," "king" is a predicate nominative.
• Nominative Absolute: A grammatical construction where a noun or pronoun is in the nominative case and is followed by a participle, forming a phrase that modifies the main clause independently.
  • "The weather being perfect, we went for a picnic." (Here, "weather" is in a nominative absolute construction.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nominate (verb): To propose or formally enter as a candidate for election or for an honor or award.
• Nomination (noun): The act of nominating or the state of being nominated.
• Nominatively (adverb): In a nominative manner; as a subject.

Synonyms

• Subjective (case) (Grammar): A term sometimes used interchangeably with 'nominative' for the subject case.
• Appointive: Relating to or filled by appointment (similar to the 'appointed by nomination' sense).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs/Constructions)

(Note: 'Nominative' itself does not form standard phrasal verbs. The related verb 'nominate' does.) - Nominate for: To propose someone for a specific role or award. - They will nominate her for the leadership position.

Related Idioms

• In name only: Existing as a mere formality without real authority or function. (This relates to the 'bearing the name' sense but is not a direct idiom with 'nominative'.)
  • He was the chairman in name only; the vice-chair made all the decisions.

Adjective

1. appointed by nomination
2. named; bearing the name of a specific person
   • nominative shares of stock
3. serving as or indicating the subject of a verb and words identified with the subject of a copular verb
   • nominative noun endings
   • predicate nominative

Noun

1. the category of nouns serving as the grammatical subject of a verb