denominations - Master This Word
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denominations Word Meanings
- a name or designation for a class or category
- a specified monetary value
- a recognized religious group or sect
denominations Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
denominations Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˌnɒm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
US
/dɪˌnɑː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
denominations Word Etymology
de- = down from, nomen = name; Latin → Old French → English. Picture a group of denominations, each signifying a different name or category, as they gather together to represent various values.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Denomination is a versatile noun in English. It can name a class or category within a system (for example, denominations of fruits, or religious denominations). It also refers to the face value or monetary value of a coin or bill, such as a 5-dollar denomination or 20-yen denomination. In religious contexts, a denomination denotes a recognized group or sect within a broader faith. Although related, the monetary sense and the grouping sense are distinct, and learners often mix them when writing or speaking. Pay attention to context: money talk uses face value; social contexts use a group term.
Usage Reminders
- - Denomination commonly refers to currency value (face value).
- - It can also mean a class or category, such as a denomination in a system.
- - Do not confuse with nomination (an act of proposing a person) or denote (to indicate).
- - Use denomination with money and with religious groups.
- - The plural is denominations.
Common Misconceptions
- Denomination always means money value.
- Denomination and denomination only refer to money.
- Denomination equals the name of a person or thing itself.
- Religious denominations are the same as denominations of coins.
- You can use denomination interchangeably with value or category in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: show that denomination spans both money and groups; clarify with money context vs social groups to avoid mixing meanings.
Learning Tips
- Learn 6 common collocations: denomination of currency, denomination of coins, religious denomination, face value, nominal value, set of denominations.
- Practice choosing the sense from context with money- and religion-related sentences.
- Compare with similar words: value, face value, denomination vs nomination (not related).
- Use plural denominAtions correctly in examples.
- Watch for passive constructions that emphasize monetary value rather than category.
- Create your own sentences to reinforce the different senses.
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