nominate

To nominate someone means to officially propose them as a candidate for a position, award, or honor. It's a key part of many selection processes—from political elections to board appointments to major prizes.

The act of nominating isn't about choosing the winner; it's about identifying individuals who meet certain criteria and putting their names forward for consideration by others. For example, a committee might nominate several candidates for a job opening, or members of an organization might nominate colleagues for Employee of the Month.

The word comes from Latin roots meaning "name"—essentially, you're naming someone as a potential recipient. You'll often see it used in formal contexts: "She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize," or "He was nominated to the board of directors."

However, nomination isn't always serious! You might playfully nominate your friend for "Most Likely to Spill Coffee"—though this is a less official use. The core idea remains: suggesting someone for recognition or selection. So, if you hear about someone being nominated, it means they've been put in the running and are now under consideration.