Words / C2

NOHSH-uh-nl/ˈnəʊʃənl/

Notional means existing as an idea or on paper, not in fact: a notional figure, notional agreement. Hypothetical and theoretical (already in the dictionary) are cousins; nominal (already in the dictionary) is “in name only” or “very small” — a close trap. Notion (already in the dictionary) is the everyday noun. Do not staff a clinic with a notional post.

Meaning

Existing only as an idea or on paper; not actual (formal).

Examples

• “A notional second post on the organogram did not staff the night clinic.”
• “Hypothetical is “what if” (already in the dictionary). Theoretical is of theory (already in the dictionary). Nominal is in name / token (already in C1) — the classic mix-up. Imaginary is everyday (already in the dictionary). An organogram box is not a badge log. Count the people on the night, not the boxes.”

Good to know

On paper only; not actual. Everyday: hypothetical. Mix-up: nominal (in name / token — already in this dictionary). A box is not a post.

Near in meaning

hypothetical

New