Word
nominate
Phoneticsnom·i·nate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnɑməˌneɪt/
UK/nˈɒmɪnˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to propose for a role
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to officially suggest someone for a job, a prize, or a political position.
v. to formally propose a person for an office, award, or elective position. Transitive; requires a direct object.
日本語:ノミネートする※
“The committee decided to nominate her for the 'Teacher of the Year' award.”
“The party members met behind closed doors to nominate a candidate who could appeal to both rural and urban voters.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice: 'She was nominated for...'
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'appoint'. Remind them that nominating is just the suggestion; the person still has to win or be chosen.
02to name or designate
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to choose or name something for a specific purpose.
v. to designate or name a person or thing for a specific duty or status. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
“You must nominate a person to handle your affairs if you are away.”
“The treaty allows each participating nation to nominate two representatives to the international oversight council.”
Usage
Commonly followed by a noun phrase or 'as' + noun phrase.
03to call a shot
C1 · Advanced Sports Technical
v. in games like pool, to say which pocket you are aiming for before you hit the ball.
v. to specify a target or intended outcome in advance, particularly in cue sports. Transitive use.
“In this version of the game, you have to nominate the pocket for every shot.”
“The player failed to nominate the corner pocket, resulting in a foul despite successfully potting the black ball.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nominate” in context.
Verb
01. fail to nominate a successor
“The outgoing director failed to nominate a successor before his departure.”
verb + infinitive
02. nominate a representative to attend
“Each department was asked to nominate a representative to attend the safety briefing.”
verb + noun + infinitive
03. nominate someone for an award
“Critics expect the committee to nominate the lead actor for an award this season.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
Preposition
04. nominate by secret ballot
“The committee members were required to nominate by secret ballot to ensure fairness.”
prep + noun
Adverb
05. formally nominate a candidate
“The party will formally nominate a candidate during the national convention next month.”
adv + verb + noun
06. unanimously nominate
“The board members decided to unanimously nominate her for the position of CEO.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“Beginning in January 2025, the president nominates the director, and the Senate provides its “advice and consent.”
The process adds several layers of review.” “South Carolina will again take centre stage as the first nominating contest, pushing Iowa from its top spot.” Etymology
PIE word *h₁nómn̥ The adjective is first attested in 1450, in Middle English, the verb in 1545; partly from Middle English nominat(e) (“named, designated”), from Latin nōminātus, perfect passive participle of nōminō (“to name”) (see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3)), from nōmen (“a name”). Participial usage of the adjective up until Early Modern English.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/nominate
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0