The phrase "nominal prices" is a common term used to describe prices that are relatively small or insignificant. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˈnɒmɪnəl ˈpraɪsɪz/. The first syllable, "nom," is pronounced with a short "o" sound and stressed. The second syllable, "i," is unstressed and pronounced with a reduced vowel sound. The third syllable, "nal," has a long "a" sound. The word "prices" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and a long "i" sound.
Nominal prices refer to prices that are named or given in theory, but may not reflect the actual or current value of a good or service. In economics, nominal prices are the prices at which goods or services are exchanged in the market without accounting for inflation or other factors that may affect the purchasing power of money over time.
Nominal prices are generally expressed in monetary terms, such as dollars, euros, or any other currency, and are typically listed as the face value or stated price of a product or service. They are often used as a reference point or starting point from which other economic calculations or comparisons are made.
However, because nominal prices do not take into account changes in the general price level or any other adjustments, they may not accurately represent the real or relative value of goods or services. For example, a nominal price of $10 for a product might seem affordable, but if inflation is high and purchasing power has decreased, the same product may actually be more expensive in real terms.
In contrast to nominal prices, real prices consider and adjust for factors such as inflation, changes in incomes, or the cost of living. Real prices provide a more accurate indication of the purchasing power of money and can be useful for comparing prices over time or between different regions or economies.
The etymology of the word "nominal" traces back to the Latin word "nominālis", which is derived from "nomen", meaning "name" or "noun". In its original Latin sense, "nominālis" referred to anything related to a name or specifically attained by name only, without much substance. Over time, the word evolved in meaning and started to describe something existing in name or appearance but having little or no real value or significance.
The term "nominal prices" refers to the prices that are named or designated for goods or services. These prices may not accurately represent the true value or cost of the item or service and can be relatively low or small compared to the actual worth. Thus, when we say "nominal prices", we are referring to prices that are symbolic or in name only, without reflecting the true value.