in name only
[ɪn neɪm ˈoʊnli]
adverbial phrase
só de nome; apenas nominalmente; no papel
1. existing or being something only in title or designation, but not in practice or reality
He was the president in name only, while the vice president made all the decisions.
Ele era presidente só de nome, enquanto o vice-presidente tomava todas as decisões.
2. having a particular status or label without actually possessing the qualities or responsibilities associated with it
They remained friends in name only after their disagreement.
Eles permaneceram amigos apenas nominalmente após seu desentendimento.
3. being something officially or legally but not functionally or meaningfully
The company is independent in name only; it's still controlled by the parent corporation.
A empresa é independente no papel; ainda é controlada pela corporação-mãe.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese to describe situations where someone holds a position or status that lacks real authority, responsibility, or meaning. In corporate and political contexts in both countries, it's frequently used to critique situations where titles don't reflect actual power dynamics or contributions. The expression conveys a sense of superficiality or pretense in formal relationships.
NYC Slang
on paper; for show
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →