denominate

Where does the word "denominate" come from? It comes from Latin nomen, passing through Latin before entering English (1600s).

Denominate’s story begins in Latin: nomen meant “name.” Name, combined with de- (thoroughly). Within Latin, it grew into denominare by ancient. To name thoroughly, to designate, from de- and nomen. It reached English by 1600s as denominate. Settled as the English word for giving a specific name or classification to something. Today, denominate means to give a specific name, designation, or unit of value to something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient nomen "name", name, combined with de- (thoroughly).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient denominare "to name thoroughly, to designate", to name thoroughly, to designate, from de- and nomen.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s denominate "to give a specific name or classification to something", settled as the English word for giving a specific name or classification to something.