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Optative

/ɒpˈteɪtɪv/

(grammar) A mood of verbs found in some languages (e.g. Sanskrit, Old Prussian, Ancient Greek), used to express a wish. English does not have inflectional optative forms.

📖 Definitions of "Optative"

noun
  1. 1

    (grammar) A mood of verbs found in some languages (e.g. Sanskrit, Old Prussian, Ancient Greek), used to express a wish. English does not have inflectional optative forms.

  2. 2

    (grammar) A verb or expression in the optative mood.

adjective
  1. 1

    Expressing a wish or a choice.

  2. 2

    (grammar) Related or pertaining to the optative mood.

🔄 Synonyms of "Optative"

1 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

WordDefinition
optative moodThe optative mood (or ;Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary (1972 ed.) abbreviated ) is a grammatical mood that indicates a wish or hope regarding a given action.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Optative"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

WordDefinition
optative moodThe optative mood (or ;Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary (1972 ed.) abbreviated ) is a grammatical mood that indicates a wish or hope regarding a given action.
desiderativenoun(linguistics, grammar) A verbal mood expressing the desire to carry out an act, found in languages such as Ancient Greek and Sanskrit; the optative.
volitional(comparable) Done by conscious, personal choice; not based on external principles; not accidental.
facultativeNot obligate; optional, discretionary or elective.
intentivePaying attention; attentive, heedful.
aspirationalBeing ambitious.
optable(obsolete) That may or should be chosen; desirable.
optionary(dated) optional
electiveOf, or pertaining to voting or elections; involving a choice between options.
go-tonounA person or thing that is one’s usual choice.
petitive(grammar) Indicating desire.
subjunctivenoun(countable) A form in the subjunctive mood.
choosablenounSomething that may be chosen; an option or alternative.
choicefulnounHaving the opportunity to choose or make choices; abounding in choices
expetible(obsolete) Worthy of being wished for; desirable or sought after
permissoryPermitted, but not mandatory; optional.
wishableCapable or worthy of being wished for; desirable.
chooseableAlternative spelling of choosable. [Able to be chosen or selected.]
promissiveMaking or implying a promise; promising.
expressibleAble to be expressed.

Words Strongly Associated with "Optative"

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