Definition of nominate

The word "nominate" can be traced back to the mid-16th century, when it first appeared in the English language. Its origin is Latin in nature, derived from the words "nominare" and "nomen," which roughly translate to "to name" and "name," respectively. In Latin, "nominare" was used to describe the act of choosing someone for a specific position or honor. This meaning was carried over into French, where the word "nommer" took on the same meaning. In the Middle Ages, English borrowed the French word "nommer" and coined the derived verb "nemen" as a way to reflect the process of proposing a name or individual for a particular position or honor in English. As the word's use began to expand, it took on its modern form in English: "nominate." Today, the word "nominate" refers to the act of formally proposing someone for an award, position, or honor. It is commonly used in political and legal contexts where a person or group may need to propose an individual for a specific position or appointment.