nominate

Where does the word "nominate" come from? It comes from Latin nomen, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Nominate’s story begins in Latin: nomen meant “name.” The root of 'noun', 'nominal' and 'renown'. Within Latin, it grew into nominare by ancient. The root of 'noun', 'name' and 'nominal'. It reached English by 1400s as nominate. Settled as the English word for formally proposing someone for a position or award. Today, nominate means to formally propose someone as a candidate for a position, award, or honor.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient nomen "name", the root of 'noun', 'nominal' and 'renown'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient nominare "to name, to appoint by name", the root of 'noun', 'name' and 'nominal'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s nominate "to formally propose someone for a position or award", settled as the English word for formally proposing someone for a position or award.