nominally

Everyday

1. In name only, but not really or not in practice: «He is nominally in charge, but his deputy does the work.» tree →
2. (money, formal) Officially, as a written amount, before other things are counted: «nominally worth £1». tree →

In the lessons

A formal word used in history, politics and money. It tells the reader that what something is called and what it really is are different: a nominally independent country is really controlled by another. In money and maths, a nominal value is the number printed on something, not what it can actually buy.

Examples

• The king was nominally the ruler, but the generals made the decisions. tree →
• The club is nominally free, but you have to buy the kit. tree →
• Granddad is nominally retired, but he still works three days a week. tree →
• The rent rose by only a little, nominally. tree →
• Our class has a captain nominally, but everyone decides together. tree →
• The coin is nominally worth one pound. tree →

Note

Adverb from «nominal» (in name). From Latin «nomen», name. A trap: «nominal» in money can also mean «very small» (a nominal fee = a tiny fee). Do not confuse with «nominate» (to suggest someone for a job or prize).