intitular

Intitular is an adjective meaning bearing a title or designated by a title; in English usage it denotes something that exists in name or by designation rather than by substantive reality. The term is rare in modern usage, and its sense is closely related to the more common word titular. When used, it often serves to contrast the official, title-only status of a person, office, or entity with any actual power, function, or authority.

Etymology and history: intitular comes from Latin roots related to titulus (title) and was transmitted to English via Old French or directly through scholarly Latin forms. It has appeared in English since the Renaissance but has largely fallen out of everyday usage. In contemporary writing, intitular is typically found in historical, legal, or philological contexts, where authors wish to emphasize the distinction between a title in name and real status.

Usage and nuance: While nearly synonymous with titular, intitular can carry a slightly more explicit emphasis on the fact that something is titled rather than empowered. In practice, most writers prefer titular for common use; intitular may appear in archaic, specialized, or formal prose. Examples are scarce in modern texts, but one might encounter phrases such as “the intitular office” to signal a ceremonial or nominal role.

See also: titular, title, nominal, ceremonial. Intitular is a rare, largely historical or technical variant of the more familiar term titular.