notional

IPA/ˈnəʊʃənl/
KK[nˈoʃənəl]IPA/ˈnəʊʃənl/

notional — 形容詞

  • notionalpositive
  • more notionalcomparative
  • most notionalsuperlative

1. relating to an idea or theory that people think of or calculate as if it were re

1.形容詞C1
釋義

概念上；理論

僅存在於想法中，非實際的

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.

地理老師在地圖上畫了一條概念上的界線，表示兩國當年交界的位置。

notional + noun referring to a boundary

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

Sophie 開麵包店的計畫仍停留在概念階段——她還沒有存到錢。

still notional (predicative use with 'still')

常見搭配
  • notional amount
  • notional value
  • notional budget
  • notional boundary
  • notional line
  • purely notional
  • merely notional
  • still notional
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'

文法句型

notional + noun

be + notional

用法筆記

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

常見錯誤

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.'

同根字

  • notion
    名詞B2
  • notionally
    副詞C1

常見搭配

名詞搭配

副詞搭配

常用片語

  • in notional terms
  • on a notional basis