nominally
Translation
nominally, in name only
Examples
The country is nominally a democracy.
The country is nominally a democracy.
He was nominally in charge, but she made the decisions.
He was nominally in charge, but she made the decisions.
Grammar Patterns
((nominally)) + adjective/verb modifies a state or action as being true in name only The country is nominally a democracy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: supposedly, officially, formally; Antonyms: actually, really, genuinely
Etymology
From 'nominal' + the adverb-forming suffix '-ly'. 'Nominal' comes from Latin 'nomen' (name).
Memory Tips
It describes an action or state that is true 'in name' but perhaps not in reality. Often implies a contrast.