nomeavam

Nomeavam is the third-person plural imperfect indicative form of the Portuguese verb nomear, meaning to name or designate. It is used to describe past actions of naming, assigning titles, or appointing people, often within narratives or descriptions of events.

Etymology and meaning: Nomear derives from the root nome- (name), which in turn traces back to Latin nomen. The imperfect form nomeavam indicates that the action occurred over a period in the past or was habitual, rather than completed at a single point in time.

Conjugation and grammar: Nomear is a regular -ar verb. In the imperfect, the forms are: eu nomeava, tu nomeavas, ele/ela nomeava, nós nomeávamos, vocês nomeavam, eles/elas nomeavam. Nomeavam is therefore a valid historical tense form used to describe ongoing or repeated naming actions in the past.

Usage and nuance: The form nomeavam appears in literature, journalism, and formal writing when the author intends to convey that naming or designation happened over time or repeatedly. It can apply to appointing officials, naming participants in a process, or assigning roles. It is distinct from present tense nomeiam (they name) and from nominalizations such as nomeação (nomination or appointment).

Examples:

- Durante a reestruturação, o conselho nomeava novos diretores.

- Os organizadores nomeavam os participantes da cerimônia conforme a lista.

See also: nomear, nomeação, nomenclatura.