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')

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.'