notional

IPA/ˈnəʊʃənl/

KK[nˈoʃənəl]IPA/ˈnəʊʃənl/

1.形容詞C1

釋義

relating to an idea or theory that people think of or calculate as if it were real even though it has no physical form

例句

The geography teacher drew a notional line across the map to show where the two countries once met.

notional + noun referring to a boundary

Sophie's plan to open a bakery was still notional — she had not saved any money yet.

still notional (predicative use with 'still')

同義詞

theoretical
Broadly interchangeable but 'theoretical' is more common and can relate to scientific frameworks; 'notional' is rarer and more about ideas in planning
hypothetical
Stronger implication of 'what-if' or imagined scenarios, whereas 'notional' can simply mean 'conceptual'
conceptual
Focused on the abstract idea itself; 'notional' often carries a hint that the idea is provisional or not yet real
imaginary
Suggests something that exists only in the mind; 'notional' is less about fantasy and more about theoretical calculation or planning

反義詞

real
The most direct opposite — what actually exists in physical or practical terms
actual
Emphasises what is true or existing in fact, not just in theory
concrete
Describes something tangible and specific rather than abstract
practical
Opposite in the sense of 'ready to be used or implemented'

notional + noun

be + notional

Often used with intensifiers like 'purely,' 'merely,' or 'still' to emphasise that something exists only in theory and has no concrete reality.

❌The notional price was $100.

✅The notional price was set at $100.

💡'Notional' describes a theoretical concept; pair it with verbs like 'was set at' or 'was calculated as' to make the hypothetical nature clear.

❌This is notional food.' (intending 'nutritious').

✅This is nutritious food.

💡'Notional' is unrelated to food or nutrition; it means 'conceptual' or 'theoretical.'

notional — adjective