Meaning of nominative determinism | Babel Free

Definitions

A supposed tendency for people to become active in subjects that relate or correspond to their names.

uncountable

Examples

“A little-known aspect of pop sociology called nominative determinism intrigued Rory Honeyman for a very good reason. Except for a concatenation of historical accidents, he would have fallen under its purview himself.”

“I need hardly add that he is a prime example of that scientific principle known as nominative determinism — being a man who uses telescopes, called I. Glass!”

“Nominative determinism is usually applied to the idea that someone's name may influence their future. Would Usain Bolt have run as swiftly with the name “Usain Plod”?”

CEFR level