nominar

Nominar is a verb of Romance origin used in several languages, most commonly in Spanish. It means to propose or designate a person or entity as a candidate for a prize, office, honor, or position, rather than to grant the appointment itself. In many formal contexts, nominating is the first step in a process that can culminate in election, selection, or awarding.

Etymology and forms: Nominar comes from Latin nominare, meaning to name or designate. In Spanish it is a regular -ar verb. Its basic conjugation includes nomino, nominas, nomina, nominamos, nomináis, nominan in the present indicative; detectors such as nominaba or nominado appear in past tenses and participles. Related nouns include la nominación (nomination) and el nominado (the nominated person).

Usage and contexts: The term is common in politics, film and literature awards, academic honors, and organizational processes. A committee may nominar a un candidato for a post, or an awards jury may announce the nominación of several contenders. It is distinct from nombrar, which more often conveys naming or appointing someone to a role or office, sometimes implying final designation rather than the act of proposing.

Cross-linguistic notes: Nominar has cognates in other Romance languages, such as nominar in Portuguese and nominare-related forms in Italian and French. In English, the closest equivalent is nominate, used for proposing a candidate for an honor or position. The concept is widespread across formal and ceremonial procedures, where nominations precede selection or decision.