denomination

Definitions

de- (completely) + nomin (name) + -ation = 'a naming, a named category.' From the core idea of 'a named class' it branched in two directions: a denomination of money is a named value (£5, £10, £20 notes), and a religious denomination is a named group within a faith (Baptist, Methodist). Both are 'named categories.'

Why It Means This

The two modern meanings feel unrelated until you see the link: both are 'named categories.' Money comes in named units of value (denominations); a religion divides into named groups (denominations). The root never strays from 'name' — it just names different kinds of things.

Common Collocations

• 1.religious denomination宗教教派
• 2.currency denomination货币面额
• 3.small denominations小面额
• 4.different denominations不同面额

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Christianity includes many denominations, such as Catholic and Lutheran.

• 2.

  The ATM dispenses notes in several denominations.

• 3.

  Please pay in small denominations if possible.