titular
/'titjulə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Existing in name only; holding a title without the corresponding authority, duties, or power: Refers to a position or role that is official in title but lacks real substance or responsibility.
- Of, associated with, or bearing a title signifying nobility, status, or function: Pertaining to a formal title, especially one indicating rank, office, or nobility.
- Of or pertaining to the title of a work of art: Relating to the name or title of a book, film, play, etc.
- Of or relating to a legal title to something: Concerning the legal right of ownership.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The king became the titular head of state after the revolution, but the prime minister held all real power.
- She was given the titular role of department chair, though all decisions were made by the committee.
- The book's titular character, Harry Potter, is known worldwide.
- The dispute was over the titular rights to the land.
Advanced Usage
"titular head/leader/monarch": A person who holds a title of leadership officially but does not exercise actual control.
- The company's founder remained the titular chairman after retiring, but was no longer involved in day-to-day operations.
"titular role/character": The character in a play, film, or book whose name is the title of the work.
- The actor won an award for her performance in the titular role of "Medea".
Variants and Related Words
Titularly (adverb): In a titular manner; by title only.
- He was titularly in charge, but everyone knew who really made the decisions.
Titulary (adjective & noun): A less common variant with the same meanings as 'titular'.
- The agreement concerned certain titulary rights. (Adjective)
Synonyms
- Nominal: Existing in name only.
- Ceremonial: Involving ceremony; often implies a role with symbolic rather than practical function.
- Figurehead: A leader with little real power.
Antonyms
- De facto: In fact, in reality (often contrasted with a titular or de jure position).
- Actual: Existing in fact; real.
- Substantive: Having a separate and independent existence; important, real.
Related Phrases
In title only: Having the title but not the associated reality. This phrase is a clear synonym for the primary meaning of 'titular'.
- He was the manager in title only, as the assistant ran the department.
Bearer of the title: The person who holds a specific title. This describes the noun form related to 'titular'.
- As the bearer of the title, she was expected to attend certain ceremonies.
Adjective
- existing in name only
- the nominal (or titular) head of his party
- of or associated with or bearing a title signifying nobility
- titular dignitaries
- of or pertaining to the title of a work of art
- performed well in the titular (or title) role
- the titular theme of the book
- of or bearing a title signifying status or function
- of titular rank
- of or relating to a legal title to something
- titulary rights