ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nominally

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US //ˈnɑmənəɫi// UK //nˈɒmɪnəli// nom·i·nal·ly

adv. describes something that exists in name only, but is not true in reality. You use it when a title or a rule is official, but it doesn't actually change how things work.

adv. in name or form only, rather than in fact or reality. Often used to describe a status or role that lacks the actual power or function usually associated with it.


SIMPLE

He is nominally the leader, but his assistant makes all the decisions.

CONTEXTUAL

The country is nominally a democracy, though in practice a single party has held absolute power for decades.

COMPLEX

While the company is nominally headquartered in a small offshore jurisdiction for tax purposes, its entire operational infrastructure and executive team remain in London.

Origin

From nominal + -ly.

Usage

Typically modifies adjectives or verbs to indicate a discrepancy between official status and practical reality.

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