nominate
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To formally propose someone for a position, role, or award.
To appoint or designate someone to a position; to formally suggest a candidate; to name or specify something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a formal process of selection or proposal, typically within an organizational, political, or official context. Can be used for both people and things (e.g., nominating a film for an award).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and grammar are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of formality and official procedure in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English, with similar frequency in political, business, and organizational contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
nominate sb (for/as sth)nominate sb to do sthnominate sth (for sth)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be in the running (for a nomination)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board will nominate a new CEO at the next meeting.
Academic
The committee can nominate up to three papers for the annual prize.
Everyday
I'd like to nominate Sarah for the employee of the month award.
Technical
Each party may nominate one arbitrator to the panel.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The union will nominate its candidate for the directorship next week.
- You may nominate yourself for the committee role.
American English
- The party plans to nominate its presidential candidate at the convention.
- I nominate this restaurant for best burger in town.
adverb
British English
- This is not used adverbially.
American English
- This is not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- The nominating committee met yesterday.
- She received a nominating letter from the board.
American English
- The nominating process is clearly outlined in the bylaws.
- He is the nominating chair for the awards.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My teacher nominated me for the school prize.
- They nominated three people for the job.
- The committee will nominate a new secretary at the next meeting.
- Which film would you nominate for best picture?
- Any member may nominate a candidate, provided they have the support of two others.
- The panel unanimously nominated her for the lifetime achievement award.
- The statute allows each constituency to nominate one representative to the electoral college.
- He was nominated posthumously for his contributions to theoretical physics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'NOMINATE' as 'NAME' + 'ATE' (past action) – you NAME someone for a role you've already decided on.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELECTION IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'put forward a candidate', 'in the running for nomination').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'назначать' (appoint) – 'nominate' is the proposal stage, 'appoint' is the final decision.
- Do not translate as 'номинировать' – this is a false friend; the correct Russian equivalent is 'выдвигать кандидатуру'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'nominate' without 'for' or 'as' (e.g., 'They nominated him president' – should be 'nominated him as president' or 'nominated him for president').
- Confusing 'nominate' (propose) with 'elect' (choose by vote).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'nominate' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Nominate' means to formally propose or suggest someone for a position. 'Appoint' means to officially give someone that position. Nomination usually comes before appointment.
Yes, you can nominate things like books, films, or ideas for awards or consideration (e.g., 'I nominate this proposal for further review').
Both are possible but with a slight difference. Use 'nominate someone for a position/role/award'. Use 'nominate someone as chair/leader' when specifying the title.
The main noun forms are 'nomination' (the act or instance of nominating) and 'nominee' (the person who is nominated).