Explanation at your level:
If you are nominated, someone chooses you for a special job or prize. It is like being a candidate. You are on a list to win.
When someone is nominated, they are officially suggested for an award or a position. For example, an actor can be nominated for a movie prize.
Nominated is used when someone is put forward as a candidate. It is common in elections or when giving out awards. It means you are officially in the competition.
The term is used to describe the formal process of selecting candidates. It implies an official endorsement or a recognition of achievement that qualifies someone to be considered for a higher status or prize.
In academic or professional settings, being nominated signifies that an individual has met specific criteria set by a committee. It marks the transition from a general pool of people to a specific list of contenders.
Etymologically rooted in the act of 'naming,' nomination is a performative speech act in institutional contexts. It confers legitimacy upon a candidate, signaling that they have been vetted and are now eligible for the next phase of a selection process.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means to be named a candidate
- Used for awards and elections
- Formal tone
- Past participle form
When you hear that someone has been nominated, it means they have been officially put forward as a candidate. Think of it as the 'getting on the list' phase of a competition or election.
You might be nominated for an Oscar, a Nobel Prize, or even for class president. It is a way of saying, 'I think this person is worthy of winning or serving in this role.' It is a very positive term that implies recognition of merit or potential.
The word comes from the Latin word nominare, which simply means 'to name.' It stems from nomen, the Latin word for 'name.' This makes perfect sense, as to nominate someone literally means to 'name' them for a specific purpose.
It entered English in the 16th century. Historically, it was used in legal and political contexts to describe the formal act of naming someone to a public office or a church position. Over time, it expanded to include awards and social recognition.
We use nominated most often in professional, political, or entertainment contexts. You will frequently see it paired with 'for' (e.g., 'nominated for an award').
It is a formal word, so you wouldn't use it to say 'I nominated my brother to eat the last slice of cake'—that would be too serious! Instead, save it for when the selection process is official or significant.
While 'nominated' itself isn't usually the core of an idiom, it appears in phrases like 'a nomination for' or 'the nominee'.
- To put someone's name in the hat: To nominate them.
- A shoo-in: A nominee who is almost certain to win.
- To be in the running: To be a nominee who has a real chance of winning.
- To throw one's hat in the ring: To announce you want to be nominated.
- Shortlisted: Being one of the few final nominees.
Pronounced NOM-ih-nay-tid. The stress is on the first syllable. In IPA, it is /ˈnɒm.ɪ.neɪ.tɪd/ in British English and /ˈnɑː.mə.neɪ.t̬ɪd/ in American English.
It functions as a past participle. You can use it as an adjective ('The nominated candidate') or as part of a passive verb phrase ('She was nominated by the committee').
Fun Fact
It comes from the same root as 'nomenclature'.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 't' sound at the end.
Flap 't' in the middle.
Common Errors
- stressing the wrong syllable
- swallowing the 't' sound
- mispronouncing the 'i' in the middle
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Common usage
Standard
Standard
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Passive Voice
She was nominated.
Examples by Level
He was nominated for the prize.
He / was / suggested / for / the / award.
Passive voice.
She was nominated as the team leader.
The film was nominated for three awards.
Who was nominated for the election?
I nominated my friend for the job.
They were nominated by the teacher.
The book was nominated for a prize.
He is a nominated candidate.
Was she nominated?
The committee nominated her for the position.
He felt proud to be nominated for the award.
Several people were nominated for the board.
The nominated candidate gave a speech.
She was nominated by her peers.
The project was nominated for excellence.
Being nominated is an honor in itself.
They nominated him to represent the group.
The senator was nominated by the party to run for office.
She was nominated for her outstanding contributions to science.
The film, nominated for several Oscars, won best picture.
He was officially nominated as the new director.
The group nominated him to speak on their behalf.
Being nominated for this award is a significant achievement.
The council nominated three people for the vacancy.
She accepted the nomination with grace.
The author was nominated for the prestigious literary prize.
He was nominated to the board of directors last month.
The candidate, nominated by a landslide, accepted the challenge.
The process of being nominated requires a formal recommendation.
She was nominated for her lifelong dedication to the cause.
The film was nominated for its groundbreaking cinematography.
He was nominated to represent the interests of the faculty.
The committee nominated him based on his extensive experience.
The nominee was formally nominated during the convention.
Having been nominated by his predecessors, he felt the weight of the role.
The selection committee nominated candidates with impeccable credentials.
She was nominated posthumously for her contributions to peace.
The act of being nominated is a prerequisite for the final vote.
He was nominated to serve as the chief justice.
The nominated party must submit their platform by Friday.
The organization nominated him for his unwavering commitment.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"in the running"
a candidate for a prize
She is in the running for the award.
neutral""
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Easily Confused
Noun vs Verb
Nominee is the person, nominated is the action.
The nominee was nominated.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + was + nominated + for + noun
He was nominated for the award.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Nominated is for formal processes.
Tips
When to use
Use it for formal processes.
Prepositions
Always use 'for' with awards.
Etymology
It means 'to name'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
NOMinate = NO Name, you have to be named to win!
Visual Association
A person standing on a stage holding a golden envelope.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down three people you would nominate for a 'Kindness Award'.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: To name
Cultural Context
None
Highly associated with the Oscars and political elections.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Awards ceremony
- The nominees are...
- Nominated for best actor
Conversation Starters
"Who would you nominate for a leadership award?"
"Have you ever been nominated for anything?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you were nominated for something.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, nominated is being suggested; elected is winning the vote.
Test Yourself
She was ___ for the prize.
It fits the context of an award.
What does nominated mean?
It is the formal act of naming a candidate.
You can be nominated for a sandwich.
Nomination is for formal roles or awards.
Word
Meaning
Matches roles to outcomes.
Subject + verb + preposition + object.
Score: /5
Summary
To be nominated is to be formally named as a candidate for an honor or position.
- Means to be named a candidate
- Used for awards and elections
- Formal tone
- Past participle form
When to use
Use it for formal processes.
Prepositions
Always use 'for' with awards.
Etymology
It means 'to name'.
