nominally
UK: /ˈnɒm.ɪ.nəl.i/ | US: /ˈnɑː.mə.nəl.i/
adv. in name only; formally but not in reality
adv. to a very small degree; insignificantly
nominal<name> + ly<adverb suffix>
- nominal: From Latin nomen (name), via Old French nominal. Retains the core meaning of "pertaining to names" but expanded to imply "in name only" (lacking substance).
- ly: A productive English suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, originating from Old English -līce.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin nomen (name), entering English via Old French. The suffix -ly was attached to create an adverbial form, shifting the focus from "pertaining to names" to "existing in name but not fact." This reflects a linguistic pattern where concrete terms (e.g., "name") evolve abstract meanings (e.g., "insignificant").
He was nominally in charge, but the team made decisions without him.
The country is nominally democratic, but elections are heavily controlled.
The fee is nominally small, but additional costs add up quickly.
She’s nominally a vegetarian, though she occasionally eats fish.
The two companies are nominally separate but share the same CEO.