nominate
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to officially suggest someone for a job, a prize, or a political position.
to formally propose a person for an office, award, or elective position. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Simple“The committee decided to nominate her for the 'Teacher of the Year' award.”
In context“The party members met behind closed doors to nominate a candidate who could appeal to both rural and urban voters.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice: 'She was nominated for...'
Teacher's tipLearners often confuse this with 'appoint'. Remind them that nominating is just the suggestion; the person still has to win or be chosen.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to choose or name something for a specific purpose.
to designate or name a person or thing for a specific duty or status. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
Simple“You must nominate a person to handle your affairs if you are away.”
In context“The treaty allows each participating nation to nominate two representatives to the international oversight council.”
UsageCommonly followed by a noun phrase or 'as' + noun phrase.
- 03 C1 Advanced
in games like pool, to say which pocket you are aiming for before you hit the ball.
to specify a target or intended outcome in advance, particularly in cue sports. Transitive use.
Simple“In this version of the game, you have to nominate the pocket for every shot.”
In context“The player failed to nominate the corner pocket, resulting in a foul despite successfully potting the black ball.”
“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.”
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.