nominal
/ˈnɒm.ɪ.nəl/- 1.
Used to describe an amount — usually a fee, cost, or charge — that is very small and almost symbolic. It is far less than what the real value would normally be.
- Members pay a nominal fee of just ten rupees per year.
- The landlord charges a nominal rent for the storage room.
- You can join the programme at a nominal cost.
- 2.
Existing in name or title only, but not in real power or practice. The person or thing has the label but not the true responsibility.
- He is the nominal head of the department, but his deputy runs things.
- The country had a nominal democracy but little real freedom.
- She plays a nominal role in the family business.
- 3.
In economics and finance, nominal refers to figures stated at face value, without adjusting for inflation or real-world changes. Contrasted with 'real' values.
- Nominal GDP rose, but real incomes actually fell.
- The nominal interest rate looks attractive, but inflation eats into it.
- Economists prefer real wages over nominal figures for comparisons.
Adinary Nuance
Near-neighbors lens: "Nominal," "minimal," "token," and "negligible" all describe something small or insufficient, but they are not interchangeable. Nominal implies the amount or role is so small it exists mainly as a formality — a nominal fee is almost ceremonial. Minimal means the least possible amount required — a minimal charge is the floor, not a gesture. Token carries a slightly dismissive tone — a token effort suggests insincerity, which "nominal" does not. Negligible means small enough to be safely ignored, often in technical or academic writing. For IELTS and academic English, "nominal" is the safest formal choice when describing a fee or role that exists in name more than in substance.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Danh nghĩa
- Spanish
- Nominal
- Chinese
- 名义上的
- Japanese
- 名目上の
- Korean
- 명목상의
Etymology
From Latin "nominalis," meaning "of or belonging to a name," derived from "nomen" (name). The word entered English in the 15th century and gradually expanded from grammar usage to broader senses of "name-only" and "token."
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'nominal' and 'minimal'?
- 'Nominal' means so small it's almost symbolic or just a formality — like a nominal fee of ₹5. 'Minimal' means the smallest amount that is still necessary or sufficient. A nominal cost may not even cover real expenses; a minimal cost is the lowest practical amount.
- What does 'nominal fee' mean in everyday English?
- A 'nominal fee' is a very small charge — usually much less than the real cost — often collected just to make a transaction official. For example, a library might charge a nominal annual fee of ₹20 for a membership card.
- Is 'nominal' a formal word? Can I use it in IELTS writing?
- Yes, 'nominal' is a formal, academic word and is well-suited for IELTS Task 1 and Task 2 writing. It appears often in economics, business, and academic contexts. Avoid it in casual conversation — native speakers would more naturally say 'tiny fee' or 'small charge' in everyday speech.
- What does 'nominal' mean in economics?
- In economics, 'nominal' refers to figures that are stated at their face value, without accounting for inflation. For example, 'nominal GDP' is the raw output figure, while 'real GDP' adjusts for price changes over time. This distinction is very common in IELTS Academic Reading passages.