name
A1Universal - used across all registers from formal to highly informal.
Definition
Meaning
A word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to.
A word or phrase identifying a product, brand, author, concept, or entity; one's reputation or standing; a famous person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Possesses a unique semantic field relating to identity, designation, reputation, and authority. Can function as a synecdoche for the whole person/entity ("big names in the industry").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Potential minor variations in prepositional use ("in the name of" vs "under the name of" for legal contexts). Spelling identical.
Connotations
Equally neutral and central in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely high and virtually identical in frequency in both UK and US corpora.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
name + [object] (verb)name + [object] + [object complement]by/under the name of + [phrase]in the name of + [concept/entity]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a name to conjure with”
- “clear one's name”
- “give a dog a bad name”
- “in name only”
- “make a name for oneself”
- “name names”
- “take someone's name in vain”
- “the name of the game”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Crucial for branding, legal entities, and professional reputation (e.g., 'protecting the company name').
Academic
Used for authorship, terminology, and classification (e.g., 'the name given to this phenomenon').
Everyday
Fundamental for personal identification and social interaction.
Technical
Specific in computing (variables, files), biology (taxonomy), and law (legal name).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They named their daughter Elara.
- Can you name all the capital cities?
- He was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
- The storm has been named 'Boris' by the Met Office.
American English
- They named their son Colt.
- Can you name three Founding Fathers?
- She was named CEO of the company.
- The hurricane was named 'Ian' by the National Weather Service.
adverb
British English
- Specifically, namely, we need three things.
- (Note: 'Name' itself is not used as a standard adverb; 'namely' is the related form.)
American English
- To wit, namely, the following points.
- (Note: 'Name' itself is not used as a standard adverb; 'namely' is the related form.)
adjective
British English
- It's a name brand, not a generic.
- He's a name player in the football world.
- We need a name architect for this project.
American English
- It's a name brand, not a store brand.
- She's a name actor in Hollywood.
- We hired a name designer for the renovation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My name is Anna.
- What's your dog's name?
- I know her face, but I don't know her name.
- Write your name at the top of the page.
- The company changed its name last year.
- Can you name three countries in South America?
- He goes by the name 'Skip' online.
- She has a very unusual name.
- The product lives up to its name in terms of quality.
- They named him after his grandfather.
- He cleared his name after the false accusation.
- It's a household name in the world of cosmetics.
- The critic did not name names but hinted strongly at the guilty parties.
- The legislation was passed in the name of national security.
- She has made a name for herself as a human rights lawyer.
- The distinction is, namely, between intent and action.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NAME TAG you wear at an event. It tells everyone who you ARE.
Conceptual Metaphor
NAME IS REPUTATION ("He gave the project a bad name."); NAME IS IDENTITY ("She made a name for herself."); TO NAME IS TO CONTROL ("to name and shame").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing 'name' (имя/название) with 'first name' (имя) only.
- Overusing 'name' as a verb where 'call' or 'appoint' is better.
- Misusing articles: '*What is the name of you?' instead of 'What is your name?'
Common Mistakes
- Its (possessive) vs. it's (contraction) in phrases like 'The company changed its name.'
- Incorrect verb pattern: '*He named as the winner.' vs. 'He was named the winner.'
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'a big name in the industry', what does 'name' most closely mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily countable (a name, two names). It can be used uncountably in abstract senses like 'There's power in a name.'
'Name' is the general identifier. 'Title' is often more formal (of a book, job, or royalty). 'Label' often implies a classifying tag stuck on something.
Common patterns: 1) name + object (They named the baby). 2) name + object + object complement (They named him Peter). 3) name + object + 'as'/'to be' + noun (He was named as the suspect).
It means something exists officially or by title, but not in reality or effect (e.g., 'He was the manager in name only; his assistant made all the decisions.').
Collections
Part of a collection
Common Questions
A1 · 31 words · Question words and phrases for basic communication.
Family Members
A1 · 44 words · Words for family, people and relationships at home.