Word of the Day: Name
name
name / nām
adjective
1. famous or well known
We will provide you with the best prices on top name brands!
2. bearing the words one is called or known by
I wear a name tag to help people find me.
Eoin Colfer, 1965 –
noun
1. a word that identifies something and differentiates it from others; the word or words by which something is known
What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
From ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare, 1564 – 1616
2. the outward appearance as opposed to reality
A democracy in the Middle East must be more than a democracy in name only – it must live out its principles.
Kay Granger, 1943 –
3. a descriptive characterization, often of a disparaging or derogatory nature
Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me.
English Proverb
4. a reputation or fame
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
5. a word or words used to categorize
Vices creep into our hearts under the name of virtue.
Latin Proverb
6. a family
A good name is a second inheritance.
German Proverb
verb
1. to specify a word by which something is to be known
Constellations have always been troublesome things to name.
Mark Twain, 1835 – 1910
2. to cite, mention or state specifically by the word or words known by
If I were to name the three most precious resources of life, I should say books, friends, and nature.
John Burroughs, 1837 – 1921
3. to set or specify
You can name your own salary in this business.
Rodney Dangerfield, 1921 – 2004
4. to designate for a specified honor, duty, or role
The patient who names a doctor his heir makes a big mistake.
Spanish Proverb
etymology
name, from the Anglo-Saxon nama (name) through the Middle English name, naam and related to the German name, Latin nomen, and Greek onoma.
Thank you to Allen Ward for providing this etymology.
