noun

nominalization

nom-uh-nuh-ly-ZAY-shuhn

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Nominalization (noun) means a noun formed from another part of speech, such as a verb or an adjective, often by adding a suffix like -ity, -tion or -ism. Example: “Government is a nominalization of the verb govern.”

noun

A noun formed from another part of speech, such as a verb or an adjective, often by adding a suffix like -ity, -tion or -ism.

"Government is a nominalization of the verb govern."

"The nominalization freedom comes from the adjective free."

"Utilization and implementation are both nominalizations built from verbs."

The process of forming a noun from another part of speech, or the use of nouns formed in this way.

"The report's stiff tone comes partly from heavy nominalization."

"Editors sometimes flag excessive nominalization in a draft."

"Nominalization can make writing sound more formal."

How to use nominalization

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNominalization means turning a verb or adjective into a noun, or the noun that results from doing so.

When to use it

This is a technical term used mainly in linguistics and writing guides, not everyday speech.

Memory tip

Look out for suffixes such as -tion, -ity or -ism to spot a nominalization in a sentence.

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Common pairings

a nominalization of the verb heavy nominalization reduce nominalization an agentive nominalization

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Government is a _____ of the verb govern.

Etymology

Nominalization is built within English itself, either by adding the suffix -ization to the word nominal, or by adding -ation to the verb nominalize. Both routes arrive at the same noun.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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nounification

Rhymes for nominalization

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What is a nominalization in grammar?

It is a noun formed from another part of speech, such as a verb or adjective, usually by adding a suffix like -tion, -ity or -ism.

What is an example of a nominalization?

Government, from the verb govern, and freedom, from the adjective free, are both nominalizations.

Is nominalization countable or uncountable?

It is countable when it names a specific noun formed this way, and uncountable when it refers to the process itself.

What is the meaning of nominalization?

"nominalization" (noun) means a noun formed from another part of speech, such as a verb or an adjective, often by adding a suffix like -ity, -tion or -ism.