nominate

/ˈnɒmɪneɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈnɑːmɪneɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈnä-mə-ˌnāt/ (ame, mw)

nominate — verb

  • nominatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • nominateshe / she / it
  • nominatedpast simple
  • nominating-ing form

1. When you nominate someone, you formally suggest their name as a possible choice

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

When you nominate someone, you formally suggest their name as a possible choice during an official process, such as an election or a selection for a job or honour.

例句

Aarav's colleagues nominated him for the Employee of the Year award.

nominate + person + for + award

The local branch nominated Esteban to run for city council this year.

nominate + person + to-infinitive (run for office)

同義詞
  • propose

    Less formal and broader in use; you can propose an idea, whereas nominate is specific to people, works, or honours in a formal process.

  • recommend

    Focuses on giving a positive opinion, not on placing a name into an official selection or election process.

  • put forward

    A phrasal verb common in British English, often interchangeable with nominate in formal contexts.

反義詞
  • reject

    To refuse to accept someone as a candidate.

文法句型

nominate + person + for + position/award

nominate + person + as + role

nominate + person + to-infinitive

用法筆記

In this sense, the person is only suggested as a possible choice. Being nominated does not mean the person has been selected or appointed. Frequent prepositions: 'for' (the position or honour) and 'as' (the role).

常見錯誤

❌The president nominated Mathieu as the new minister yesterday.' (when meaning he was actually appointed).
✅The president nominated Mathieu for the position of minister yesterday.
💡Use sense 3 (APPOINT TO ROLE) for actual appointment; sense 1 only means the name was suggested.

2. To put forward a creative work (a film, song, TV programme, book, or performance

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

To put forward a creative work (a film, song, TV programme, book, or performance) for an official award, so that it can be judged for a prize in a particular category.

例句

Sora's debut album was nominated for a Grammy in the Pop category.

passive: be nominated for [award category]

The television network wants its drama series to be nominated for Best New Show at this year's awards.

submit + to be nominated for [prize]

同義詞
  • shortlist

    Refers to the result of being selected from a longer list of candidates, rather than the act of nominating itself.

  • enter

    Less formal and broader; you can enter a competition without being officially nominated.

文法句型

be nominated for + award name

nominate + work + for + prize/category

用法筆記

Commonly used in the passive voice ('be nominated for'). The subject is a creative work (film, album, show, book), not a person. In Taiwan, the equivalent concept is often expressed with the verb 入圍, which implies being shortlisted as a finalist.

常見錯誤

❌The actor nominated the film for Best Picture.' (if meaning the film was entered).
✅The film was nominated for Best Picture by the studio.
💡The studio or production company does the nominating of the work, not the actor.

3. To officially select a person for a particular job, position, or responsibility,

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

To officially select a person for a particular job, position, or responsibility, giving them the authority to perform that role.

例句

The president nominated Mathieu to serve as the new finance minister last week.

nominate + person + to serve as [role]

The board nominated Yara to lead the investigation into the data breach.

nominate + person + to lead [task]

同義詞
  • appoint

    Directly interchangeable in this sense; 'appoint' is slightly more common for official positions, while 'nominate' can imply the person is chosen for a specific task.

  • designate

    More formal and often used for official titles or roles; implies a clear assignment of responsibility.

  • assign

    Less formal and broader; can be used for everyday tasks, not just official roles.

反義詞
  • dismiss

    To remove someone from a role or position.

  • remove

    To take someone out of a role they were nominated to.

文法句型

nominate + person + as + role

nominate + person + to-infinitive

nominate + person + to + noun phrase

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (PROPOSE AS CANDIDATE): in this sense the person is actually chosen and receives the role or task, not merely put forward as a possibility. This sense is formal and often appears in government, corporate, or committee contexts.

常見錯誤

❌My manager nominated me to attend the training.' (if meaning 'suggested I go').
✅My manager nominated me to attend the training.
💡This works if the manager had the authority to select you. If they only suggested you while someone else decides, use sense 1 instead.