appellative

adjective

ap·​pel·​la·​tive ə-ˈpe-lə-tiv How to pronounce appellative (audio)
1
: of or relating to a common noun
2
: of, relating to, or inclined to the giving of names
appellative noun
appellatively adverb

Examples of appellative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The group has always had certain appellative affinities. Holden Seidlitz, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English appellatyf, borrowed from Latin appellātīvus, from appellātus, past participle of appellāre "to speak to, address, call upon, name" + -īvus -ive — more at appeal entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appellative was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near appellative

Cite this Entry

“Appellative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appellative. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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