I have the following two sentences:
(1) This new index was termed relative correlation.
(2) This new index was named relative correlation.
Which is better? Or how to make a choice between "named" and "termed"?
Thanks a lot!
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Well! a name is a term. In fact, all words are term, but vice-verse is not true.– Ubi.BCommented Aug 1, 2018 at 9:21
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OED definition is useful, I think. Term : more widely: any word or phrase expressing a particular idea or concept, or denoting a particular object; an expression (for something). Often with modifying word or phrase, as abstract term, general term, term of abuse, term of endearment, etc.– Nigel JCommented Aug 1, 2018 at 11:17
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Choice and style Questions don't belong here, but broadly, "Named" is clearly what you meant and would never be open to any challenge… and alwys comes from the inventor/producer/supplier. "Termed" could serve a similar purpose but might almost as likely be used in challenge, query or derision. Umpteen further queries apply, but not here…– Robbie GoodwinCommented Aug 17, 2018 at 20:10
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2 Answers
It is based purely on preference. However, depending on what or who you are writing for, one could be preferred over the other.
Name means give a name to or specify (a sum, time, or place) as something desired, suggested, or decided on.
Term means to give a descriptive name to; call by a specified term.
If it something technical like a documentation or thesis, termed may be better.
i.e. Washington termed our endless and thankless task counterinsurgency—and Anbaris made good insurgents, very good insurgents.
For something less technical or light-hearted named would be better.
i.e. The dead man has been named as John Mackintosh.
named, as defined by Cambridge Dict.:
to give someone or something a name:
termed, as defined by Cambridge Dict.:
to give something a name or to describe it with a particular expression
The particular expression here doesn't seem too specific. Let's see what MW has to say about this word:
to apply a term* to
*term: a word or expression that has a precise meaning in some uses or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or subject
The two words are very similar in terms of meaning: they both can be used to describe the action of giving something a name. However, termed is much more formal and is often used to describe very specific concepts in multiple different fields. named, on the other hand, is a bit less formal and thus, much less restrictive than termed.
The general consensus seems to be: if you want to give a name to a very specific concept in a formal environment, pick termed. If you want to name just about everything in a non-formal, or semi-formal setting, choose named.
