early 15c., "pertaining to nouns," from Latin nominalis "pertaining to a name or names," from nomen (genitive nominis) "name," cognate with Old English nama (see name (n.)). Meaning "of the nature of names" (in distinction to things) is from 1610s. Meaning "being so in name only" first recorded 1620s.
权威例句
1. All the ferries carry bicycles free or for a nominal charge.
所有的渡船都免费或以极低的收费运载自行车。
2. In 1990 personal incomes grew a nominal 6.8 per cent.