The word "appellative" is spelled with three syllables: /əˈpɛlətɪv/. The first syllable, "ə", is pronounced with a schwa sound. "ˈpɛl" is pronounced with a short "e" sound and a stressed "l" sound. The second syllable, "ət", is pronounced with the same schwa sound as the first syllable, followed by a hard "t" sound. The final syllable, "ɪv", is pronounced with a short "i" sound and a "v" sound. "Appellative" is often used in the context of linguistics to refer to a word that describes or designates a certain group of things.
Appellative is a term that is commonly used in the field of linguistics or in the context of naming and labeling. It refers to a word or a term that is used to describe or designate a particular person, thing, or concept. In other words, an appellative is a general or common name given to something or someone, often based on their characteristics or qualities.
Appellatives can be seen as a broader category than proper names, as they are not specific to one particular entity but rather encompass a group of similar things. For example, "dog" is an appellative that refers to a whole class or category of animals with similar characteristics. Likewise, words like "planet," "tree," or "vehicle" are all appellatives.
In addition to common nouns that designate objects or beings, appellatives can also include more abstract concepts or qualities. Examples of this include terms like "justice," "beauty," or "freedom," which are appellatives since they refer to abstract ideas rather than specific individuals or objects.
Overall, appellative is a linguistic term used to describe words or terms that are used as general names or designations for a broad range of entities or concepts. Its use helps to classify and categorize different aspects of the world, facilitating communication and understanding between individuals.
• Pert. to a common name.
• A common name as distinguished from a proper name.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "appellative" comes from the Latin term "appellativus", derived from the verb "appellare", meaning "to call" or "to name". In Latin, "appellare" was also used in the sense of "to address" or "to designate". From this Latin root, the word was adopted into French as "appellatif" in the 14th century and later entered English in the 15th century as "appellative". It has retained its basic meaning of referring to a common noun used to describe or address a person, place, thing, or concept.