In Name Only Definitions, Pronunciation, Example Sentences and Forms

Pronunciation: /ɪn neɪm ˈoʊnli/

Definitions of in name only

noun The word 'name' is a noun in this phrase, referring to a word or phrase that identifies a person, place, or thing.

Example Sentences

A1 The new employee was a manager in name only, as they lacked the necessary skills.

A2 The club president was just a figurehead, in name only, with no real authority.

B1 The company claimed to be environmentally friendly, but it was green in name only.

B2 The treaty was a partnership in name only, as one party clearly held all the power.

C1 The organization was a democracy in name only, with decisions being made by a select few.

C2 The university's commitment to diversity was evident, but it was inclusive in name only, with marginalized groups still facing discrimination.

adverb In this phrase, 'in' is functioning as an adverb, indicating the manner or way in which something is done. It modifies the verb 'name' by specifying that the naming is only superficial or nominal.

Example Sentences

A1 The new employee was a manager in name only.

A2 The company claimed to be eco-friendly, but it was green in name only.

B1 The organization was inclusive in name only, as discrimination still occurred.

B2 The politician was a reformer in name only, as corruption continued unabated.

C1 The university was prestigious in name only, with subpar academic standards.

C2 The treaty was a peace agreement in name only, as conflict persisted.

Examples of in name only in a Sentence

formal The company was still operating, but it was essentially a shell in name only.

informal He may have the title of manager, but he's really just a figurehead in name only.

slang She's technically my girlfriend, but it's more like we're together in name only.

figurative The organization claimed to be inclusive, but it was diverse in name only.

Grammatical Forms of in name only

past tense

was in name only

plural

in names only

comparative

Origin and Evolution of in name only

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'in name only' is believed to have originated in the English language.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to indicate something that exists only in a formal or official sense, without the substance or reality behind it. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more broadly to describe situations where something is superficially or nominally true but lacks true essence or meaning.