Nominative Determinism

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈnɑməˌnətɪv dɪˈtɜrmɪnɪzəm/

Definitions of nominative determinism

noun a theory that suggests that a person's name can have an influence on their profession, character, or destiny

Example Sentences

A1 Nominative determinism is the theory that a person's name can influence their career choice.

A2 Some people believe in nominative determinism, where a person's name can shape their destiny.

B1 Nominative determinism suggests that people are drawn to professions that reflect their names.

B2 There is ongoing debate among researchers about the validity of nominative determinism in predicting career paths.

C1 Scholars have conducted studies to explore the phenomenon of nominative determinism and its impact on individuals.

C2 Nominative determinism has been a topic of interest in psychology and sociology for its potential implications on identity formation.

Examples of nominative determinism in a Sentence

formal The concept of nominative determinism suggests that people are drawn to professions that reflect their names.

informal It's like people end up doing what their names suggest, that's nominative determinism for you.

slang Nominative determinism is when your name lowkey predicts your future career.

figurative Some believe in nominative determinism, where your name shapes your destiny in a subtle way.

Grammatical Forms of nominative determinism

past tense

determined

plural

nominative determinisms

comparative

more nominative determinist

superlative

most nominative determinist

present tense

determines

future tense

will determine

perfect tense

has determined

continuous tense

is determining

singular

nominative determinism

positive degree

nominative determinism

infinitive

to determine

gerund

determining

participle

determined

Origin and Evolution of nominative determinism

First Known Use: 1994 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'nominative determinism' was coined as a humorous observation by the psychologist Richard L. Wiseman.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in a lighthearted context to describe the phenomenon where people gravitate towards professions that fit their names, the term has since been adopted more broadly to refer to the concept of a person's name influencing their life choices or outcomes.